Curry County commissioners voted unanimously at a Dec. 31 special meeting to approve an ordinance moving emergency management oversight out of the sheriff’s office and under county operations.

County counsel explained the change during a public hearing that the board opened and closed the same morning. “What we're doing here today is modifying the ordinance regarding emergency management. We are moving it out of the purview of the sheriff's office and back under the auspices of the BOC through the director of county operations,” county counsel said. The counsel added the county currently does not have a separate emergency manager and that the ordinance would authorize the emergency manager, or another qualified individual appointed by the board, to serve as Curry County emergency management director.

The ordinance was introduced in the meeting as “ordinance number 25 0 4,” and counsel cited “organized statute 6 0 9.015” as the authority referenced in the reading. After the hearing opened at 10:02 a.m., the board solicited public comment and none was offered; the hearing was closed at 10:04 a.m. The board then voted to adopt the ordinance. The roll call recorded Commissioner Coker voting “Aye,” Commissioner Hollinger “Yes,” and the third commissioner indicating “I as well.”

Following the ordinance adoption, the board moved into an executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h) “to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a body in regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.” Microphones were turned off for the closed session. The board later returned to open session, exchanged brief New Year’s remarks, noted a workshop scheduled for the sixth, and adjourned the special meeting.

The ordinance’s text, effective date, and implementation details were read by county counsel in summary form during the hearing; the transcript records the title and purpose but does not specify an effective date or an implementation timetable. No public testimony or opposing statements were recorded at the hearing.