Yamhill County commissioners approve relocation architect contract, back transit and public-safety grants

Yamhill County commissioners on Feb. 20 approved a set of actions including a professional services contract to support a planned office move, adoption of a Title VI compliance plan for the sheriff's office, authorization to apply for a federal community investment grant to upgrade the county radio system, and three Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) transit grants that together provide vehicle and operating funding.

The actions, taken during a regular meeting of the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners, were unanimous on all recorded votes. County staff said the measures are intended to improve service continuity, public-safety communications and transit service for older adults and people with disabilities.

The board authorized a professional services contract with Sarah Architects Incorporated not to exceed $146,427, effective through Dec. 10, 2025, to handle interior modifications, departmental test fits and move coordination as county departments relocate. Staff described the project as a substantial logistical effort affecting multiple offices and employees; commissioners said preparatory work (IT and planning) was already underway.

The board adopted a Title VI program compliance plan for the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and delegated signing authority for the plan to the sheriff. Sergeant Young and county staff attended the meeting for the Title VI item; the plan was presented as the sheriff's office's required nondiscrimination compliance documentation.

Commissioners authorized the sheriff's office to apply for a community investment project (SIP) grant in the amount of $867,552 to upgrade the county's public-safety radio system. Board members described the radio replacement as a long-standing need across fire districts, police and public works because parts for the current system are aging and, in places, being sourced secondhand.

The board approved three ODOT grant agreements for Yamhill County Transit. Grant agreement No. 35701 provides up to $32,000 with an $8,000 local match (total project cost $40,000) to increase services for seniors and people with disabilities through Dec. 31, 2026. Grant agreement No. 35711 provides up to $530,042 with a $60,667 match (total $590,709) to replace three vehicles, effective through Dec. 31, 2028. Grant agreement No. 35710 provides up to $271,000 with a $67,750 match (total $338,750) for operating funds to enhance services for older adults and people with disabilities, effective through Dec. 31, 2026. County transit staff (identified in the meeting as Cynthia) was present for questions on the grants; each grant was approved subject to final review by county counsel and transit staff.

The board also approved a letter of support for Provoking Hope's 2026 congressional appropriations application to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. Commissioner Starett introduced the letter and the board voted to sign on as a body; members characterized the action as supporting a local nonprofit's request for operational funding through congressionally directed spending.

No formal public-hearing items were scheduled for the meeting. The consent agenda and work session items were reported as none; commissioners used the latter part of the meeting for routine announcements and liaison reports on topics such as wildfire mapping appeals, local road safety and workforce and housing efforts.

Actions taken at the meeting were presented as administrative approvals and grant acceptances; commissioners and staff emphasized the items are subject to the usual final approvals (for example, county counsel review for grant agreements) and that projects such as the radio upgrade and building move will require extended implementation work and outside coordination.

The board adjourned after the announcements portion of the meeting.