Gilliam County adopts annual weed-control special assessment ordinance

The Gilliam County Court on March 18 held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance 20-26-01, the county's annual special assessment for roadside weed control for fiscal year 2026'27.

The judge opened the hearing, explained public-comment procedures and invited testimony. Dan Williams of Mile Road urged the court to allow property owners to opt out, saying he had observed spraying for 11 years with little effect and that county applications often occur in winter months when tumbleweed and dead matter reduce efficacy. "I'd like to opt out, but if the county will not allow me to, then so be it," Williams said during public comment.

County road/weed staff responded that county spraying is limited to the bottom of the ditch and that crews cannot legally or practically spray beyond the roadside ditch. The staff member said the county aims to keep the roadway clear for grader operations and that wider spraying is not affordable or required in many locations.

After public comment, the court proceeded with a second reading of the ordinance by title and adopted it following a motion and second. Members present voted aye and the chair declared the ordinance adopted.

The court's packet materials and staff briefing note the weed assessment is an annual process requiring two readings at least 13 days apart; the first reading occurred March 4. The adopted ordinance will proceed as the county's FY26'7 weed-assessment mechanism; the county did not record any further changes or an opt-out procedure during the meeting.

The county recorded the hearing and said the record will include submitted photos and the public testimony should anyone seek further clarification.