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Klamath County raises weed-control rates, declares countywide weed-control district and reclassifies two species
Summary
The Klamath County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 7 approved higher hourly rates for weed-control crews, declared the county a weed-control district for 2025 and moved Ventan Autograss and Medusahead into a stricter enforcement category.
Klamath County commissioners voted Jan. 7 to increase hourly rates for weed-control personnel and formally declare the county a weed-control district for 2025, actions the county said are intended to cover rising costs and allow enforcement for specific noxious weeds.
Public Works Weed Control Supervisor Tom Pfeiffer told commissioners the fee changes respond to a recent shortfall caused by staffing limits. "For the last 3 years, due to not being able to have 3 full crews working, we've been losing money. So to bridal that ship, we need to increase our fees this year," Pfeiffer said. He listed the recommended increases: the applicator rate would rise from $25.45 to $28.45 per hour; the driver-helper rate would rise from $22.74 to $24.74 per hour; and the overhead rate would increase from 94% to 95%.
Commissioner Andy Nichols moved to approve the resolution establishing the 2025 weed-control fees. The motion was seconded and approved by the board.
On a related order, the board also declared Klamath County a weed-control district for calendar year 2025 and adopted the county's noxious-weed list for the year. The county weed board recommended reclassifying Ventan Autograss and Medusahead from the C list to the B list; commissioners were told these species are already on the county list but will now be subject to enforcement under the B classification.
Pfeiffer summarized the classifications for the public: A weeds are high-priority species present in small enough infestations that eradication is possible or are not yet in the county; B weeds are widespread and subject to enforcement requirements to control them; C weeds are recognized as important but not subject to enforcement. The weed board recommended enforcement begin for Medusahead and Ventan Autograss under the B classification.
Officials said fiscal impacts tied to the new fee schedule will be determined by individual weed-control agreements the county enters into during the year. The board passed both the fee-resolution and the order declaring the county a weed-control district.
The county did not provide an implementation timeline for outreach to landowners subject to the new enforcement classifications; staff indicated those details are handled through later agreements and enforcement procedures.
