Harney County delays decision on donation to long-term recovery group, asks for more details

Harney County Court on June 4 discussed whether to contribute funds from a previously reappropriated flood response line to a local long‑term recovery group housed under the Harney Hub nonprofit. The court did not make a donation at the meeting and moved the topic to old business for a future session pending more information.

County officials described the long‑term recovery group as a nonprofit housed underneath the Harney Hub. The county has two seats on the group's board, filled by emergency management and public health representatives; the court said it could receive briefings from those county representatives or invite the group's chair to a future meeting.

Court members noted the county had reappropriated $263,000 for flood costs earlier. County staff said a state reimbursement agreement could cover much of a $117,000 bill for sanitary needs (showers, laundry, portable toilets) and that the state had indicated willingness to work toward covering the cost. The county also has an outstanding legislative request for $400,000 for road repairs and mitigation planning related to flood impacts.

Several court members said they were sympathetic to the group's work but preferred to wait until the group had clarified its current funding, its projected needs and timing for when a local commitment would aid grant or private fundraising. One commissioner moved to place the item on the next regular court agenda as old business for further information and possible action; the court agreed.

The court asked staff to provide background, including current funding received by the long‑term recovery group and any immediate needs, and to invite the chair (identified by staff as Stacy Davies) or the group's representatives to brief the court if feasible. No county funds were transferred at the June 4 session.