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Commissioners say ODOT layoff notices for Lake County staff could hamper winter travel and emergency response
Summary
Chair Mark Albertson relayed that Rep. Mark Owens reported ODOT issued layoff notices to nine Lake County employees, eliminating local staff in Silver Lake and the Lakeview manager position; commissioners warned the changes could impede winter travel and emergency services and said they expect further legislative attention.
Chair Mark Albertson told the Board on July 15 that he received an email from state Rep. Mark Owens notifying him that the Oregon Department of Transportation issued layoff notices to nine Lake County employees, leaving no staff in Silver Lake and eliminating the Lakeview manager position.
Albertson said he expects the local shop to be managed from Klamath Falls going forward and warned the staffing reductions "could seriously impede winter travel and emergency services response." He suggested residents stockpile goods in case communities are cut off during winter weather.
Vice-Chair Barry Shullanberger said ODOT's staffing reductions were intended to press the Oregon Legislature for additional funding; Commissioner James Williams said a special legislative session could occur in October to seek additional funding.
No formal county action was taken during the work session; the matter was reported as a liaison update and raised as a concern for emergency planning and intergovernmental advocacy.
