Commissioners authorize $20,000 contingency for hub demolition inspections; chair granted ODFW access signature

Klamath County commissioners on March 10 approved a $20,000 contingency from LATCF for property management to support the hub demolition project, specifically to cover inspection and potential asbestos-related costs, and directed that staff notify the board if any of the funds are spent.

Terry Wells, property manager, told the board demolition contractors can discover additional asbestos or concrete quantities during work that trigger change orders and delay schedules. Directors discussed keeping a local asbestos inspector on retainer to respond quickly if issues are uncovered and noted that any substantial additional abatement costs would require further board appropriation.

One commissioner said the appropriation made him uncomfortable and asked that he receive an email or phone call if any of the $20,000 is used. "If there's a penny of it spent, I want an email or a phone call because I'm going to want to know why," the commissioner said. The motion to authorize $20,000 for property‑management contingency passed by voice vote.

Separately, the board authorized the chair to sign an access permit with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) so ODFW staff can enter Spence Mountain for related management and fire‑response activities. Staff also noted a private 'blue tract' of land and said the county will process a revocable access agreement with the landowner in the future.

The board did not appropriate additional funds beyond the $20,000 at this meeting; directors emphasized the need for close monitoring and return to the board before spending beyond the authorized contingency.