Working group backs 14‑member board and two‑thirds threshold for major solid‑waste decisions

The Linn County Solid Waste working group on Feb. 24 recommended formation of a 14‑member governing board and approved rules requiring a two‑thirds (0.667) super‑majority for major decisions such as issuing debt, large capital projects and governance changes. Jesse, the working‑group chair, summarized the recommendation and led the group through a voice vote that the chair said resulted in "Aye" and "Motion carries."

Proponents argued the higher threshold will protect smaller communities and ensure county‑wide support for decisions that carry large financial or service impacts. LD, the presenter of the draft memo, said the super‑majority trigger should apply to decisions with material fiscal or geographic impact—examples include major debt obligations, large capital projects and siting, closure or expansion of regional facilities. Opponents cautioned that routine operational decisions and emergency responses should not be subject to the higher threshold.

Tyler moved the motion formalizing the board composition and voting threshold; LD seconded the motion. The working group approved the proposal by voice vote (no roll‑call tallies recorded in the meeting transcript). The group asked agency staff to draft the precise dollar or percentage thresholds for capital projects and to include emergency carve‑outs and timing language for how votes are taken.