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Wasco County approves grants and intergovernmental agreements for housing, IT and wildfire efforts
Summary
The Board approved renewal of an IMPACTs sober-housing grant, a NORCOR IT services agreement, a wildfire chipper lease to SWCD, an OPRD Hunt Park grant, and an EMPG award—with votes unanimous and conditions for oversight.
Wasco County commissioners on April 15 approved a package of grant awards and intergovernmental contracts aimed at bolstering behavioral-health diversion services, information-technology support for regional corrections, wildfire mitigation and park infrastructure.
Community Corrections Manager Fritz Bachman told commissioners the IMPACT 27-15 grant continues funding for a three-unit sober housing program that links diversion, housing and wraparound services. According to the grant exhibit, the Criminal Justice Commission award totals $193,448 with disbursements scheduled through March 2027. The Board voted unanimously to accept the agreement.
Information Services Director Andrew Burke described a 12-month master service agreement under which Wasco County Information Services will provide 0.3 FTE of network and documentation support to the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facilities (NORCOR). Burke said the arrangement is intended as knowledge-transfer and short-term continuity while NORCOR’s IT staff retire. Commissioners approved the master service agreement unanimously.
Wildfire Coordinator Melissa Napoli asked the Board to authorize a formal lease of a county-owned Morbark 1413 chipper to the Wasco County Soil & Water Conservation District. County counsel recommended a lease to shift operational liability to the District. The Board approved the lease, assigning day-to-day control and requiring operator agreements and waivers.
Administrative Services Director Ali Postlewait presented an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department County Opportunity Grant of $137,871 (75% of a $183,828 project) to modernize Hunt Park amenities in Tygh Valley, including picnic tables, fire pits and drought-tolerant trees. The County’s required local match was described as $45,957. Commissioners approved acceptance and the grant agreement.
Emergency Manager Sheridan McClellan described a FY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) award of $67,994, a 50% reimbursement grant the department uses mainly for staffing and EOC capacity. The Board approved the EMPG agreement and acknowledged the department’s matching requirement.
Ending: For each item the Board moved, seconded and recorded unanimous approval. The agreements are subject to the written terms presented in the Board packet and the County will oversee implementation through its usual department reporting channels.
