HSAAC members press for direct voice to commissioners over CareOregon changes; county staff say board needs education first

Members of the Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAAC) debated the committee’s role in informing and advocating to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners following changes to CareOregon coverage policies. Committee chair Randy (HSAAC chair) and several members said volunteers should have a direct opportunity to present alongside staff; County staff said the board should first be educated on the technical aspects of the changes.

Chair Randy said he felt sidelined by recent practice and described frustration at not being allowed to present: “I feel like I'm spinning my wheels,” he said, adding that the committee had previously expected to present renewal and policy updates directly to the board. Multiple committee members urged a joint or paired presentation so that volunteer perspectives would be heard alongside staff information.

Monica, a county staff member who explained the administrative practice, said staff and the county manager now present committee recommendations to the board for most board‑appointed committees and that the county’s preference is to educate commissioners on the technical changes first. “What we will be informing the board of are the facts of what the CPCCO are saying is changing,” Monica told the committee, adding that after the board is informed the committee could pursue a letter of support, a follow‑up work session request, or public comment.

Committee member Amber (Lotus Center for Neurodiversity) and others said the proposed staff‑led briefings create a risk that community concerns and harm anecdotes will not be fully transmitted. Amber framed the committee’s role as advocacy and education: “Advocacy also means influencing policy, means securing resources, and most importantly for me, creating systemic change.” She and other members asked the county manager and the liaison commissioner to consider a shared presentation format for time‑sensitive issues.

County staff offered a path forward: Monica said she would ensure the board is briefed at a work session and outlined options the committee could pursue afterward (letter of support, request to present after board education, or public comment). Committee members agreed to return the subject to the next HSAAC agenda and to draft a letter of support if that is the chosen route.

The committee also discussed process improvements for the commissioner liaison role and the need to rebuild trust following periods with limited commissioner participation. Several members asked that the liaison commissioner be included earlier in discussions about outreach to the board to reduce delays and prevent the committee from feeling cut off from decision makers.