Board places Spence Mountain oversight with Public Works and appoints advisory committee member

Klamath County commissioners voted on March 11 to move oversight responsibilities for Spence Mountain from the existing advisory committee to the county Public Works department and appointed Jeremy Morris to fill a vacancy on the advisory committee.

Commissioners said the advisory committee has provided oversight but that management now needs to ‘‘land’’ within a county department for operational continuity. Commissioner discussion noted public-works staff have a relevant operational nexus and that any public-works time spent on Spence Mountain would need to be charged to another department when appropriate, because public-works funds are restricted to roads. Commissioners discussed future options, including a potential recreation district and coordination with Trust for Public Lands and local partners; one commissioner noted ongoing conversations with Trust for Public Lands and Healthy Klamath regarding polling and a potential rec district proposal for voters.

The board made a motion to move Spence Mountain responsibilities to Public Works as an interim administrative home; the motion was seconded and the chair signified the motion with an aye. The board also made and passed a motion to appoint Jeremy Morris to the Spence Mountain advisory committee by voice vote.

Why it matters: Reassigning oversight clarifies which department will provide county-level coordination for Spence Mountain operations and planning while longer-term governance and funding options are explored. The board emphasized the move is administrative and does not authorize Public Works to spend restricted public-works road funds on park operations.