Commissioners approve fee changes, grants and contracts in series of unanimous votes

Yamhill County commissioners on Wednesday approved a bundle of administrative fee changes, grants and vendor contracts aimed at restoring cost recovery, funding law-enforcement patrols and updating county technology and services.

The board voted unanimously to amend the clerk’s office fee schedule and the sheriff’s office fee schedule, to accept a grant for all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) patrols at Upper Nastaka OHV Park, to amend a transit grant agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation, to authorize a three-year cybersecurity agreement, and to approve two rate increases recommended by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for Newberg service providers.

The clerk’s amendment, presented by Carrie of the clerk’s office, included a set of proposed fee increases and a request that the county be able to retain a small administrative portion of a $60 statutorily established housing-related fee that currently goes to the state. “Most fees are set by statute,” Carrie told the board; she said the county is proposing to add a one-dollar administrative component where local law allows.

The sheriff outlined changes to the sheriff’s fee schedule that the office said are largely statutory, but include a reinstated administrative release fee for impounded vehicles and a higher upfront charge for real or personal property sales (up to $1,000). The sheriff said towing and the statutory notice requirements generate out-of-pocket costs — certified mailers run about $10 apiece — and that the agency is trying to recoup some, but not all, processing expenses. The board approved the sheriff’s amendments unanimously.

The board approved grant agreement number 25-39 between the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for $76,742.40, effective July 1, 2025, through July 30, 2027, to fund law-enforcement patrols in the Upper Nastaka OHV Park. The sheriff explained part of the grant budget will buy Bluetooth radio upgrades for ATV helmets so deputies can communicate without removing helmets or plugging and unplugging cords while mounted.

Commissioners also approved amendment 1 to grant agreement number 35397 (ODOT board order 23-343) to modify deliverables and correct a replacement vehicle for Yamhill County Transit. Cynthia, the transit representative, said post-delivery expenses are standard contract language and that the current grant has slightly more funding than typical for this bus replacement.

The board authorized a three-year agreement with Tech Heads and Darktrace for county network security hardware and software, at an annual cost of $124,199.

Solid-waste rate changes recommended by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) were approved: a 10.27% rate increase for Waste Management at the Newberg Transfer Station effective July 1, 2025, and a 6.08% increase for Newberg Hauling. Jason Willie, district manager for Newberg operations, said part of the upward pressure is higher trucking costs and higher dumping fees at regional facilities after closures and regulatory changes.

All motions were recorded as passing unanimously. No commissioner registered a dissent on the items covered in this roundup.

Votes at a glance - Approve amendment to clerk’s office fee schedule — motion passed unanimously. - Approve amendment to sheriff’s office fee schedule (including impound administrative fee and increased upfront sale fee up to $1,000) — motion passed unanimously. - Approve ATV grant agreement #25-39 with Oregon Parks and Recreation; $76,742.40, 07/01/2025–07/30/2027 — motion passed unanimously. - Approve amendment 1 to transit grant agreement #35397 (ODOT board order 23-343), schedule and replacement vehicle correction — motion passed unanimously. - Approve three-year cybersecurity agreement with Tech Heads and Darktrace; $124,199 annual — motion passed unanimously. - Approve Solid Waste Advisory Committee recommendation: 10.27% rate increase for Waste Management, Newberg Transfer Station — motion passed unanimously. - Approve Solid Waste Advisory Committee recommendation: 6.08% rate increase for Newberg Hauling — motion passed unanimously.

The board’s approvals are routine contract and budgetary housekeeping intended to align the county’s cost recovery, technology and public-safety agreements with current operating and regulatory conditions. Several presenters told the board the changes reflect statutory limits or outside cost pressures; commissioners directed staff to continue monitoring impacts during the next budget cycle.

The board’s meeting minutes and the full contract and grant documents will be posted by county staff with the final adopted budget package.