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Klamath County considers OpenCounter permitting software and moves to expedite hiring discussion
Summary
Planning staff recommended OpenCounter for permitting with a proposed 65/35 cost split, $60,000 ARPA funding in year one, an estimated $50 per application, and a three-year contract with opt-out provisions; commissioners asked for more discussion and agreed to expedite a hiring request for a third planner.
Jeremy Morris of the Planning Department presented two related proposals on June 2: adoption of OpenCounter permitting software for driveway and addressing applications, and a staffing plan to address a backlog of applications.
On software, Morris described a vetting process that led to selecting OpenCounter, citing a proposed 65/35 cost split between Planning and Public Works, a $60,000 ARPA grant to cover initial costs, and an estimated per-application cost of about $50. He recommended a three-year contract with an opt-out clause if the software becomes available through a statewide procurement. Morris emphasized the need to integrate OpenCounter with the county’s existing Accela system and outlined a six-month implementation timeline, including digitizing applications and coordinating with IT or external vendors.
On staffing, Morris said the Planning Department was processing 40–50 applications with only two staff and proposed temporarily closing the Planning office two afternoons per week to allow staff to catch up. Commissioner DeGroot raised concerns that reduced walk-in hours would shift burdens to other departments and urged hiring temporary or past employees to handle the backlog. Commissioners agreed to expedite a discussion about hiring a third Planning staff member; Morris confirmed budget availability and said he would prepare a hiring request for the next Administrative meeting.
Why this matters: the software and staffing choices affect permit processing times, customer service for residents and consultants, and the department’s ability to digitize workflows. Commissioners requested additional offline briefings on software integration and asked staff to return with hiring paperwork and cost details.
Next steps: staff will pursue further technical review of OpenCounter integration and prepare a hiring request for a third Planning position to bring to the next Administrative meeting.
