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Commissioners appoint Tom Van Drake to Swally Irrigation District board; motion approved unanimously
Summary
The Deschutes County Board appointed Tom Van Drake to fill a vacancy on the Swally Irrigation District board after two board members died, restoring quorum so the district can adopt its 2026 budget and continue maintenance work.
The Deschutes County Board approved board order 2025‑056 on Nov. 17 appointing Tom Van Drake to Position No. 2 on the Swally Irrigation District Board of Directors.
County counsel Dave Doyle explained the legal authority under state special‑district statutes to appoint a director when a district lacks a quorum. The district had lost two members and could not act on a pending 2026 budget and maintenance plans. Representatives from the district and their attorney were present; Steve Shropshire (representing the small irrigation district) introduced the circumstances and thanked county staff for rapid action.
A commissioner moved to approve board order 2025‑056; the motion was seconded and the board voted in the affirmative. Commissioners recorded their support and the appointment will preserve the district’s staggered term schedule; the appointee’s seat will expire Dec. 31 of the stated term year and then be subject to election as required by statute.
No additional conditions or amendments were reported during the vote. The board thanked district representatives for stepping forward to fill the emergency vacancy.
