Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Resources topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Crook County approves one-year IGA to fund assistant watermaster, asks staff to report on value
Summary
Crook County trustees approved a one-year intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Water Resources Department to fund an assistant watermaster for the Deschutes/Crook River basin at the current rate of $46,250 and requested staff to prepare a report assessing the cost and service value before any rate increase.
Crook County trustees voted to approve a one-year intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Oregon Water Resources Department to fund assistant watermaster services for the Deschutes/Crook River basin at the current annual rate of $46,250.
Finance Director Tina Herron presented the treasurer's report and explained the IGA, saying the department requested an increase after the county adopted its budget but "we did not provide them an increase" for the 2026–27 fiscal period. She described the agreement as covering salary, benefits, payroll expenses, supplies and IT services and said the IGA term runs from 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027. Herron also summarized the county's June 30 bank and ledger balances, pooled cash allocations across funds, and current investment allocations.
A commissioner questioned the value the county receives from the state-run watermaster service, citing concern that the county — and irrigation users — may be effectively "double paying" for functions managed by the state. The commissioner said it would be "interesting to know what their value is" and urged staff to produce a clear scope of services and accountability for what the department provides.
County staff agreed to prepare a report and consult with Jefferson County. A staff member volunteered to "get the ball rolling" and work with county personnel to assemble the requested information and bring findings back to the board. Trustees said they do not want to approve a rate increase now and prefer a report and discussion later; staff indicated the department asked to revisit rates in December or January.
After discussion the board moved to approve the IGA at the current rate and vote was recorded in favor. The board then heard no manager reports and adjourned the meeting.
The contract was signed for the fiscal year at the current rate; staff will prepare the report on service scope and value and return to the board for further consideration of any rate changes.
