Umatilla County approves ODHS loan of rapid-deploy communications unit for emergency response

The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners on July 1 approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Human Services to deploy a compact rapid deployable communications unit to support emergency response, disaster communications and training.

The presentation said the unit, described as a cell-on-wheels or cell-on-a-trailer communications platform, will be maintained by Peninsula County and be available to Umatilla County during incidents. The agreement includes 15 gigabytes of satellite data; the presenter said only nonemergency overage would carry a $25 charge. Commissioners were told the arrangement is expected to carry no anticipated cost to the county.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the unit could provide critical connectivity in remote parts of the county where fixed infrastructure is limited. The board discussed siting and inventory tracking and asked staff to coordinate with finance to ensure county asset-tracking and an annual status review.

"Especially in our areas with limited communication ... the ability to stand up a standalone unit to utilize is important," a presenter said, noting North Juniper Canyon as an example of where the unit could be deployed. Chair emphasized the need to track inventory and schedule reviews so the county and state partners maintain accountability.

The board moved to approve execution of the IGA; the motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: County staff will execute the agreement, coordinate inventory and reporting with finance, and work with Peninsula County and ODHS on operational details for deployment and training.