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Wasco County OKs $100,000 short-term loan to Deschutes Rim Health Clinic
Summary
Wasco County authorized a $100,000 short-term loan to the White River Health District (Deschutes Rim Health Clinic) with a 4.5% interest rate deferred to maturity (June 30, 2027) to fund strategic upgrades and recruitment; loan requires formal agreement and includes default provisions.
The Wasco County Board of Commissioners authorized a $100,000 short-term loan on May 6 to the White River Health District, which operates the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic, to support capital investments intended to stabilize and grow clinic services.
David Farris, White River Health District board chair, told the board that the clinic—operating at less than half capacity—needs funding for a large dental suite upgrade, marketing to rebuild its patient base, and recruitment of clinical staff. Farris said the requested funds are intended as "strategic investment rather than daily operational expenses." County financial staff and counsel recommended structuring the support as a repayable loan rather than a grant to promote long‑term sustainability.
The board voted unanimously to authorize a short‑term loan of $100,000 at an initial interest rate of 4.5 percent, with interest deferred to the maturity date of June 30, 2027. The motion includes a default clause permitting the board to increase the interest rate up to 9 percent if the borrower defaults. County Counsel review and a formal loan agreement are required before final execution; the County Administrator was delegated authority to execute documents to complete the transaction.
Commissioners and staff framed the action as a temporary liquidity measure tied to the clinic’s November tax levy infusions and the district’s stated plan for a capital campaign to retire longer‑term debt.
