Klamath County commissioners approve public-works equipment purchases, courthouse camera IGA and jail health programs

Klamath County commissioners at a July 29 business meeting approved several equipment purchases for Public Works, an intergovernmental agreement to add surveillance hardware at the courthouse, updates to public-health contracts and two Sheriff’s Office measures including a clinical-training memorandum and a request to seek grant funding for life-detection radar units in the jail.

The Board of Commissioners (Chair, name not specified) led the session. Commissioners present included Commissioner Nichols; Commissioner Minty was noted as out of the office. Most items were routine and passed with unanimous voice votes.

Among the most immediate public-safety actions, the board authorized the sheriff’s office to apply for a City County Insurance Services (CIS) grant to buy, install and license six life-detection radar units for the Klamath County Jail. Lieutenant Stripling of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office said the devices will monitor vitals such as blood pressure and pulse, and will trigger alerts to deputies or medical staff when readings cross set thresholds. “That will supplement our one-on-one checks that we do. But in between that time, we know things can happen,” Stripling said. The sheriff’s office estimated the cost at $30,000 and listed potential grant funds at $30,000; the board approved seeking and accepting the grant if awarded.

The board also approved a memorandum of understanding allowing Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) students to access the county…