Board approves grants, contracts, proclamation and property purchase; summary of votes and contract details

The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a series of resolutions, contracts and a property acquisition at its April 30, 2025 meeting in Salem. Actions included a proclamation honoring correctional staff, a resolution to submit the county assessment funding grant, an OWEB‑funded wetland restoration contract at Salmon Falls Park, and acceptance of a warranty deed for land to be used for the North Santiam Canyon Sewer Project. The board also adopted a consent agenda that included multiple contracts and purchase orders.

These items matter because they authorize county spending, property acquisition and grant applications that will affect county facilities, public works projects and health and human‑services operations.

Votes at a glance

- Proclamation: The board proclaimed the week of May 2025 as National Corrections Professionals Week in Marion County. Motion passed by voice vote; no roll call recorded. The proclamation acknowledged duties and hazards of corrections staff and recognized deputies and institutional staff for public service.

- Resolution — County Assessment Function Funding Assistance (CAFA): The board approved a resolution to submit the fiscal-year 2025–26 CAFA grant application. The assessor, Tom Rolfing, said statewide CAFA funds are derived from interest on delinquent tax payments and a small recording fee; Marion County’s estimated CAFA revenue is $1,083,607 for 2025–26. Motion passed by voice vote; no roll call recorded.

- Contract award — Salmon Falls Park wetland restoration: The board approved solicitation PW6552-25, awarding a construction contract to Sigma Excavation and Construction (low bid $116,350) to remove woody debris, regrade wetland areas, place habitat logs, hydroseed and install erosion control at Salmon Falls Park. Kevin Thompson, public‑works staff, said the project is fully funded by an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) post‑fire restoration grant; the original construction budget for the grant was identified as approximately $240,000. Motion passed by voice vote; no roll call recorded.

- Warranty deed acceptance — North Santiam Canyon Sewer Project: The board approved acceptance of a warranty deed from the grantors (Donna J. Birning, trustee of the Lucas Joint Revocable Living Trust; Scott J. Bowman; and Shelly J. Bowman) conveying a newly created 10.15‑acre parcel near Mill City. Public‑works staff said the parcel will be used for construction of a wastewater treatment plant; the purchase price under the earlier purchase agreement is $1,639,000 and the acquisition is funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) legislative grant money. The board authorized the chair to sign closing documents. Motion passed by voice vote; no roll call recorded.

- Consent agenda: The board adopted the consent agenda, which included: • Amendment No. 1 to the contract with James F. Miller (adds $400,000; new total $900,000) to continue mental‑health assessments and care for adult behavioral‑health clients through 06/30/2027. • Contract with Melody Klug for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner services ($297,000) through 06/30/2028. • Purchase order with Cardinal Health 110 LLC not to exceed $1,500,000 for opioid‑treatment medications for up to five years for Marion County Health & Human Services clients. • Purchase order with Mythix LLC for Oracle licensing, software and hardware support ($278,744.40) through 06/30/2026. • Amendment No. 1 to the incoming funds site lease with option agreement with T‑Mobile West Tower LLC (adds $374,597.40; new total $613,265.70) for communications tower lease through 05/31/2028. • Order approving a property tax refund for State Investments LLC (tax account 573567) in the amount of $49,774.54. These consent items were approved by voice vote; no roll call recorded.

Details and context

Assessor Tom Rolfing told commissioners that the CAFA program has been administered since 1989 and that statewide CAFA funds available for 2025–26 are projected at about $16.8 million; Marion County’s estimated share is about $1.08 million. Rolfing said CAFA reimburses county assessment and tax functions, including portions of assessor, tax office, Board of Property and Tax Appeals and related IT and treasurer distribution work.

Kevin Thompson of Public Works explained the Salmon Falls Park scope: removal of woody debris, general excavation and regrading of the wetland, placement of habitat logs, hydroseeding and erosion control. He said the construction bid came in at $116,350 and the project is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2025; the work is fully funded by an OWEB grant and county funds are not being used for the construction contract.

Chris Imo of Public Works said the warranty deed acceptance moves forward a site purchase for the North Santiam Canyon wastewater treatment plant. He said the deed will create a 10.15‑acre parcel the county’s design process shows is sufficient for construction and potential 20‑year expansion; the purchase price agreed in October is $1,639,000 and the acquisition is paid with ARPA legislative grant funds.

Several motions were moved and seconded and passed by voice vote during the meeting; the transcript records commissioners saying “aye” but does not record a roll‑call tally by name.

The board had no further public debate on these items at the meeting and adjourned after completing the agenda.