Board approves CJC grant signature, signs DLCD support letter and ratifies ODA grasshopper grant; truck lease deferred to consent agenda

The Crook County Board of Commissioners took several formal actions at its Oct. 29 work session. The board handled three votes and one procedural procurement referral.

CJC justice‑reinvestment grant (signature): Staff presented a previously discussed application for a CJC grant that funds a mental‑health position and related program costs (application previously presented in April). A motion to sign the grant was made and seconded; the board voted in favor (voice vote recorded as ‘‘aye’’). The motion authorized signature to collect the funds so the county can accept the award.

DLCD Goal 5 technical assistance grant (letter of support): Planning staff requested a board letter supporting an application to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development for a Goal 5 update and Eastern Oregon siting rules (the application requested $75,000 for an 18‑month project). A motion to sign the letter of support passed by voice vote.

ODA grasshopper mitigation grant (ratification and distribution): The county received an ODA award for grasshopper mitigation (originally expected at $108,000; final award $90,000 after reallocations). The county spent work through a third party (Helena Chemical Co.) and has expended about $59,000 to date. Commissioner Susan Dimble announced she has a conflict (she is manager of a ranch that may apply for funds) and formally recused herself from discussion and votes on the item; she asked that her recusal be entered into the minutes. The board moved to ratify execution of the ODA grant (motion passed) and directed the finance department to distribute grant funds to qualifying applicants once appropriate documentation (invoices and acreage verification) is provided.

Western Star dump trucks (procurement/consent agenda referral): Public works requested authority to proceed with leasing four Western Star dump trucks (7‑year lease; estimated delivery about February). The procurement uses the cooperative Sourcewell contract. County counsel advised verifying Sourcewell’s Oregon advertising to comply with ORS procurement rules and recommended a short postponement to allow a required notice if the interstate procurement was not advertised in Oregon; the board agreed to move the item to next week’s consent agenda rather than vote that day.

Votes recorded in meeting minutes: - Motion: Sign CJC justice‑reinvestment grant application (signature authorized). Outcome: approved (voice vote: aye). - Motion: Sign DLCD Goal 5 support letter. Outcome: approved (voice vote: aye). - Motion: Ratify execution of ODA grasshopper grant GHM‑CD‑2025. Outcome: approved (voice vote: aye). Commissioner Susan Dimble recused and did not participate in that vote. - Procedural direction: Move Western Star truck lease to next week’s consent agenda after procurement/advertising checks.