Harney County Court declares state of emergency after rapid snowmelt floods

Harney County Court declared a state of emergency Friday, March 14, 2025, citing rapid snowmelt that has produced hazardous flooding, closed roads and property damage in the Burns area.

The declaration, adopted immediately and invoking ORS 401.309, authorizes county personnel and resources to respond to the flood and requests state and federal assistance, including asking Governor Tina Kotek to declare a local disaster and asking U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to expedite aid to affected agricultural producers.

Emergency Manager Melinda Todd told the court that "we've had extensive flooding from the Sylvia's River, river down by Coa, which caused some issues with flooding, on people's property and houses. And now on Foley down by Triangle Park, they've got sewage backing up from the city of Burns because of the amount of water that we've got coming. And with the current snowpack, we expect flooding to continue and get worse. So we're asking for the emergency declaration so we can ask for resources from the state." Todd described local efforts to secure pumps and coordinate with outside agencies.

Todd said one pump previously assigned to the site burned out and another supplied by an outside emergency manager arrived on a homemade trailer and may not be suitable. She said smaller pumps are available but require more manpower and move less water. Todd said Oregon Department of Transportation personnel will inspect a problem area near Highway 20, and that the county has discussed other options including commercial hauling of sewage to lagoons. She said state environmental regulators have been fining the city of Burns for discharge issues; the county discussed using nearby lagoons to accept sewage if feasible.

Commissioner Dorril noted a drafting error in the declaration and asked that the document refer to "Harney County Court" rather than "Harney County Board of Commissioners," saying "there's no such thing as a Harney County Board of Commissioners." After the wording was corrected, a Harney County Court member moved to adopt the declaration and Commissioner Frank seconded. The court called for the question; members voiced "aye" and the motion carried. The minutes record the declaration as adopted by the Harney County Court in March 2025, and signatures were to follow.

The declaration activates the county's emergency powers and its Emergency Operations Plan flood annex. The document states the emergency is ongoing until the flooding threat has subsided and recovery efforts are underway or until the court rescinds the declaration.

No additional formal business was taken at the emergency session.

The court's action allows Harney County to request mutual aid and state and federal resources; specific requests and timelines for outside assistance were not specified during the session.