Coos County adopts supplemental budget, approves Carl Road sale to AYA and several personnel and contract items
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Summary
At a regular meeting, the Coos County Board of Commissioners adopted a supplemental budget, approved 4‑H and parks staffing actions, awarded a culvert repair contract, declared an older rescue boat surplus for sale to Myrtle Point Fire, and authorized sale and an access agreement for the Carl Road property to Alternative Youth Activities (AYA).
The Coos County Board of Commissioners on Monday adopted a supplemental budget and approved a series of personnel, contracting and property actions, including the sale of county property known as the Carl Road site to Alternative Youth Activities (AYA) and authorization for limited, pre‑closing access for maintenance and bid evaluation.
The board opened a public hearing to consider a supplemental budget and appropriations. County staff explained adjustments that included a reduction in the veterans department budget for a lower‑than‑anticipated carryover, an added $70,000 receipt from a Marijuana Enforcement Grant to a county fund, returned Administrative Grant funds from the Salvation Army to be redistributed, and an adjusted beginning balance for the waste‑disposal fund because a pit‑roof project did not progress as expected. With no public testimony, the board moved and adopted the supplemental budget resolution on a voice vote.
Why it matters: the supplemental budget reallocates existing and newly received grant funds to cover program shortfalls and unanticipated costs across several county funds, allowing departments to proceed with planned work and one delayed capital project.
Among the other formal actions, the board recessed as the 4‑H extension governing body and approved a transfer of appropriations to cover a roof replacement at the extension office that exceeded the $100,000 appropriation and cost $156,040. The board also approved updated job descriptions and posting authority for multiple county positions: a Mental Health Associate 2 / Community Navigator case manager requested by Coos Health and Wellness and a Parks Specialist 1 position tied to a pending retirement.
Parks presentation: Craig, speaking for the parks department, and parks employee Tammy Hagen were recognized; the board presented Hagen a plaque for 25 years of service. Craig and other parks staff reported the county’s reservation system—introduced in 2013—has driven substantial gains in revenue and usage. Parks revenue rose from roughly $522,000 in the fiscal year of adoption to $1,964,000 in FY2025, and camping nights increased from about 22,312 in 2020 to 45,265 in FY2025. Commissioners discussed adding roughly a half‑time position to support reservation operations and agreed the increase in revenue supports staffing needs.
Contracts and equipment: Public works requested and received approval to award the North Bay Way (listed in staff materials also as Northway) Mile Post 1.001 culvert repair to TNT Construction and Excavation LLC for $42,900; staff said they had coordinated with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and expected an in‑water work extension to permit the work. The sheriff’s/rescue captain asked the board to declare a 1997 West Coaster rescue boat surplus and authorize sale to Myrtle Point Fire; the board approved the surplus declaration and sale and supported using proceeds to purchase electronics (a side‑scan sonar) for the department’s newer Woolridge boat.
Carl Road sale and access agreement: The board approved Order 25‑11‑049L to sell the county’s Carl Road property in Coos Bay to Alternative Youth Activities (AYA) for $750,000 and delegated closing‑document authority to the board chair. Scott, representing AYA, told commissioners AYA plans to use the property for pregnant women and young families—not the general homeless population—and said the organization had provided short‑term housing and services using prior county funds. The board also approved a late added hold‑harmless access agreement that allows AYA’s contractors limited entry before closing for evaluation, bidding and planning purposes; commissioners required a minor revision to clarify that the agreement covers evaluation and bid‑preparation activities, not interior construction work, and asked county counsel to confirm insurance coverage would include the intended scope.
Court mediation: The board approved contract amendments increasing the hourly rate for four court‑connected domestic mediators (Christian Yoakam, Mark Kramer, Sarah Mello and Stuart Watson) from $100 to $130, citing alignment with statewide rates. The board separately approved adding a fifth mediator, identified in the record variously as Catherine Kangas and Catherine Angus, subject to final contract and insurance verifications.
Public comment and commissioners’ remarks: Residents raised several local issues during public comment. Phil Thompson of Coos Bay criticized proposed state parks fee increases and discussed ballot‑access preferences. David Jennings defended public‑employee unions in response to a commissioner’s critique, citing workplace safety and retention benefits. Chris Castleman, participating remotely, asked why a prior meeting video was not available online and inquired about a previously proposed $40,000 economic‑development transfer to food pantries; commissioners explained the item was tabled when the immediate SNAP‑related need subsided.
Votes at a glance: - Supplemental budget resolution — adopted (voice vote). - 4‑H appropriation resolution for extension office roof — adopted (voice vote). - Job description/posting: Mental Health Associate 2 / Community Navigator — approved (voice vote). - Parks Specialist 1 updated job description and posting — approved (voice vote). - North Bay Way culvert repair contract to TNT Construction and Excavation LLC ($42,900) — approved (voice vote). - Deem 1997 West Coaster rescue boat surplus and authorize sale to Myrtle Point Fire — approved (voice vote). - Order 25‑11‑049L: sale of Carl Road property to Alternative Youth Activities (AYA) for $750,000 — approved (voice vote). - Hold‑harmless/access agreement for AYA access prior to closing — approved with minor revisions and insurance conditions (voice vote). - Contract amendments to raise mediation rates from $100 to $130 for four mediators — approved (voice vote). - Addition of a fifth mediator (Catherine Kangas / Angus) — approved subject to counsel review and insurance (voice vote). - Consent calendar — approved (voice vote).
What’s next: The sale of Carl Road requires standard closing documents and the chair’s signature; county counsel will finalize the small access‑agreement edits and confirm insurance coverage before early contractor access. Staff said they will continue coordinating ODFW approvals and contractor scheduling for the culvert repair.
Attributions: Quotations and specific program descriptions are drawn from staff and participants who spoke at the meeting, including the Chair; county staff; Craig (parks); Tammy Hagen (parks); Mike from Coos Health and Wellness; Paul (public works); the rescue captain; Scott (AYA representative); and public commenters Phil Thompson, David Jennings and Chris Castleman.
