Camas County commissioners approve immediate payment to M2 to prevent late fees on sheriff's camera upgrade

The Camas County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 27 to authorize immediate payment to contractor M2 to prevent additional late charges on an invoice for a camera-system upgrade at the sheriff's office. Sheriff Travis Martin told the Board the expense is "still under a grant" but said reimbursement is delayed because of the federal government shutdown, creating a risk of accruing late fees if payment is not made.

Commissioner Colter moved to pay the claim immediately "with the understanding that Camas County will still be reimbursed," and Commissioner Ralph seconded the motion. The Board approved the motion. The minutes record the Board's decision to make the payment now while pursuing reimbursement through the grant process.

The sheriff asked that the invoice for M2 be paid "before any further late charges were assessed." The minutes note that M2 upgraded the camera system for the sheriff's office and that the county expects federal grant reimbursement, but that timing is now uncertain because of the shutdown. The board did not record a separate directive beyond authorizing payment and recording the expectation of reimbursement.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: the county will process the payment to avoid late fees and pursue reimbursement through the grant. The minutes do not specify a payment amount, a grant name or number, or a timeline for reimbursement.