Klamath County approves one‑time grant to keep local domestic violence shelter open, vote splits 2‑1

Klamath County commissioners on July 14 approved a one‑time grant to help a local domestic violence shelter cover overdue taxes, voting 2–1 to advance funding contingent on the nonprofit regaining its federal tax status.

Commissioner Tim Minty moved to allocate $33,267.77 plus $1,021.58 from the General Fund Non‑Departmental to Cove Community Partnership. Commissioner John Nichols seconded the motion and proposed an amendment permitting use of opioid settlement funds for the grant if eligible; that amendment was accepted. Commissioner Scott DeGroot voted against the measure. The motion passed.

The Board recorded conditions on the disbursement: the shelter must demonstrate it has regained 501(c)(3) status and provide required documentation to the county assessor, including articles of incorporation and financial records. Commissioner Minty described the grant as necessary to preserve essential services and warned of county risk if the shelter closed; Commissioner Nichols suggested reviewing opioid fund eligibility to broaden funding options. An unnamed staff member agreed to research eligibility for opioid funds and report back.

The funding decision followed a brief discussion of alternatives and documentation requirements; the motion notes that disbursement is contingent on the assessor receiving appropriate proof of nonprofit status. The Board did not specify a timetable for the documentation or subsequent monitoring in the public record provided.

The Board took no additional action on shelter operations or longer‑term funding during the meeting.