Curry County votes to elect timber (O&C/ONC) receipts instead of SRS payments

Curry County commissioners voted unanimously to elect O&C/ONC timber receipts rather than continuing to receive annual SRS payments, a decision county staff said could increase revenue by roughly $700,000 based on current estimates.

Staff framed the choice as a major budgeting moment for the county: "It is estimated that if we elected to go O and C instead of SRS, we will be looking at $2,798,000. And if we elect to just take SRS, we will be at $2,070,000," the county representative said. County staff explained that O&C/ONC receipts are unrestricted general-fund dollars, while SRS funds are restricted and that school funding formulas mean schools would receive the same state support regardless of Curry's election.

Board members and staff discussed risks and protections. Commissioners asked about downside scenarios such as administration changes or large fires that could affect harvest levels; staff said statutory formulas and sustainable-yield calculations limit the downside and that the election is on a three-year cycle, allowing the county to reassess and revert to SRS if conditions change.

The board moved formally to elect timber receipts and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote of the commissioners present. County leaders said the extra revenue could reduce dependence on other general fund sources and allow more predictable budgeting for roads and county services.

The meeting ended after the timber-election vote; county staff will implement the election on the required schedule and incorporate the change into the county budget planning cycle.