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Coos County renews TOPS timber patrol contracts and narrowly approves Coos Forest Protective Association invoice amid complaints on rate fairness
Summary
The board approved renewal of multiple TOPS contracts with timber landowners and later voted to pay a Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) fire‑patrol invoice despite commissioner objections about perceived unfair per‑acre rates for public vs. private landowners.
The Coos County Board of Commissioners approved renewal of Timber Operations Patrol (TOPS) contracts with a group of timber owners, and — after extended debate — authorized payment of the county’s share of an annual Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) fire‑patrol assessment.
TOPS contracts: County staff presented a packet of TOPS contracts covering multiple private timber owners and investment managers. The contracts listed in the agenda included Bavarian Olympus Timber LLC; Fairview Timber LLC; FIA Timber Growth and Value Master LLC; Keystone Forest Investments LLC; Lone Rock Timber Management Company; Manulife Investment Management; Mahaffey Tree Farm; Moore Mill and Lumber Company; New Grove Olympus LLC; Oregon Department of Forestry; and Roseburg Resources Company. Staff said the TOPS portfolio covers an aggregate 310,863.46 acres.
Commissioners discussed how the county’s per‑acre charges and service levels compare with other arrangements, noting that some single‑owner agreements (for example the multi‑year Weyerhaeuser arrangement mentioned earlier in the meeting) pay for a dedicated deputy and vehicle while the TOPS contracts support shared patrol positions. Commissioners directed staff to compile comparative acreage and rate information and return with a recommended billing review for next year.
CFPA invoice: Later in the meeting commissioners considered payment of CFPA invoice number 250708 for the county’s share of the CFPA patrol assessment. Staff said the invoice had been prorated by acreage to departments; the forestry department portion exceeded departmental spending authority and required board authorization. Commissioners expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent assessment increase and with differential per‑acre treatment favoring some private landowners and investment companies.
Several commissioners urged state‑level advocacy, suggesting the county ask legislators and the Association of Oregon Counties to press for rate parity and changes in how assessments are calculated. One commissioner said the county should pursue regional coordination through an upcoming AOC meeting. Despite objections and a single recorded “no” vote, the board approved payment so the county would remain covered for fire patrol service.
Why it matters: TOPS contracts and the CFPA assessment relate directly to county costs for forest protection, revenue balance in county forestry operations and wildfire preparedness. Commissioners said the current arrangement leaves the county bearing comparatively higher costs for services that also benefit private timber owners.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to return with detailed acreage comparisons, proposed billing changes for next year, and recommended state‑level contacts to pursue parity through the Association of Oregon Counties and regional partners.
