COMMISSION CHAIR WILLIAM HARVEY
COMMISSIONER MARK E. BENNETT
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the October 19, 2022 Commission Session. Present were Commissioner Bill Harvey, Commissioner Mark E. Bennett, and Commissioner Bruce A. Nichols.
1. Call to Order/Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Harvey called the meeting to order and led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
2. Agenda Changes/Additions to the Agenda
Commissioner Harvey moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. Citizen’s Participation
a. None
4. Review/Approval of Minutes
a. October 5, 2022 Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the October 5, 2022 Commission Session Minutes with changes. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. Juvenile Department Update ~ Staci Erickson, Director:
Ms. Staci Erickson, Juvenile Department Director, was present to give a department update. She reported on the current population trend within the juvenile system, with younger kids being sent their way more often. She gave an example of a recent incident where an 11 and 13-year-old broke into and burglarized multiple sheds at the sports complex. Their male population is typically higher than the female which is currently accurate. Their population consists of about thirty-two misdemeanor crimes and also four felonies. Three of their youth are in Oregon Youth Authority care. One is in a correctional facility, another is in residential placement, and one is at home and may be released in November successfully. The overall population is around 50 youths ages 11 to 19, which is typical for a County our size. They are allowed to keep youth on county probation until they are 23. To ensure restitution is paid before release.
Ms. Erickson thanked the Commissioners for the appropriation of County funds for detention costs. There is one juvenile that will need to be housed at least until June of next year. The cost to house the individual is around $58,000.00, doubling the budget this year. They have been relying on other means for higher supervision, such as ankle monitors. The cost of ankle monitors is significantly lower at $100.00 per month versus $185 per day for detention. Ms. Erickson explained that ankle monitors are effective and efficient. They provide real-time data such as precise location, time at the location, and speed while traveling to and from locations. Currently, they have two ankle monitors on hand and have access to more if needed.
Ms. Erickson reported on drug trends amongst county youth; there has been an increase in meth and fentanyl use. They have seen positive drug tests for meth in youth as young as 13 and have also been witnessing an increase in positive drug tests for fentanyl. She stated they have applied for opioid settlement funds to help with education, treatment, and transportation for outlying youth that do not have the means to travel to and from treatment.
The community service vehicle's engine caught on fire in June, which has reduced the number of community service hours they have been able to provide. The interim vehicle only has the capacity to transport two to three youths compared to the original vehicle's ability to transport six to eight. Their transport vehicle is still operational for trips in town but not for transporting to and from surrounding areas. She hopes to receive some opioid settlement funding to help solve their current transportation issues.
She continued to report on community service projects they have been involved in, such as cutting firewood at the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center, Leo Adler Pathway cleanup, weed pulling at the employment department, and garbage cleanup around town. Commissioner Harvey expressed his thoughts on the importance of letting the youth know that what they are doing is not just a punishment but something that gives back to the community they live in and are a part of, and the community greatly appreciates their service. Ms. Erickson commented that they receive positive feedback from youth who are told their service is appreciated. She added that community service has also aided their future employment endeavors as they can add skills and service to their resumes. She stated that they are at 212 community services hours this year and that last year, they had over 400 hours. She reiterated that the decreased hours are due to the transportation issues previously discussed.
Ms. Erickson discussed a new legislative update where they can no longer collect fees or fines for juveniles. The state of Oregon has stated that it has become a barrier for youth to succeed on probation because money is difficult for them to obtain. The only thing they are allowed to request is restitution. They can no longer be reimbursed for ankle monitoring, detention, treatment, or transportation costs. She expressed that it has impacted the department and County budget. She explained that they would usually be reimbursed at least a couple thousand dollars for detention costs each year. They would also have youth participate in diversion programs for $50.00 each, bringing in $250.00 to $300.00 per year. Ms. Erickson explained that it did not seem like much but that the funds covered the program costs. Commissioner Harvey expressed concern that there is no longer an incentive for parents to stay involved in ensuring their child fulfills their roles and responsibilities. Ms. Erickson agreed that before the new legislation, parents were responsible for paying child support to the state and that now they are not. They have seen more reliance on the state to care for the juveniles and a loss of connection with parents and family.
Another legislative update is that tobacco laws are no longer in effect for juveniles. The state of Oregon believes it created a disproportionate minority contact with law enforcement. Essentially, the youth of color were being discriminated against by law enforcement for tobacco use, and it was such a minor offense that they legalized the use of it. Law enforcement can no longer have contact with youth for vaping or smoking tobacco.
Overall staff is doing great. She has been there for twenty-two years, Ray for nineteen years, Bryan for eighteen years, and Tara Talbot for one year. She expressed that the department staff all enjoy their job helping the community youth.
b. Contract Review Board
1. Juvenile Dept.: Electronic Monitoring Service Agreement Renewal with BI Incorporated: Ms. Staci Erickson reported that the electronic monitoring service agreement is up for renewal; the last time it was renewed was in 2015. The cost of daily rates has decreased significantly. The daily rate for a regular HomeGuard unit was $3.60 per day and is now $1.70 per day. The GPS unit, which they use the most, saw the most significant price reduction; it was $11.85 and is now $2.80 per day. The technology has seen improvements in equipment, like the beacon, which is now much smaller and is the charging unit for the ankle unit. The monitoring is connected to work phones, and they are immediately notified of violations or alerts by the company. They can see GPS locations and send messages directly to the device that are delivered audibly to the client through the speaker. Commissioner Harvey and Commissioner Bennett expressed a preference for local detention and monitoring and are in favor of obtaining more ankle monitors.
Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the Electronic Monitoring Service Agreement between Baker County Juvenile Department and BI Incorporated and securing two additional ankle monitoring units. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Sheriff: COPS Technology and Equipment Grant Award: The Baker County Sheriff’s Office submitted a proposal for funding through the congressionally directed spending process in 2021. The project proposal involved replacing antiquated base radio station and repeater infrastructure. They were awarded $190,000.00 for project completion.
Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the 2022 COPS Technology and Equipment Program award for $190,000.00. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. Sheriff: Vehicle Purchase Approval: A vehicle purchase for the Sheriff’s Office was approved in the 2022-23 budget for $50,000.00. The Sheriff’s Office would like to replace 2016 marine and ATV patrol vehicle. The 2016 vehicle has 134,000 miles on it and has been used to pull jet boats and haul ATV machines and trailers. Baker City Auto Ranch has a 2022 Ram 2500 which has a diesel motor designed for pulling large trailers and obtains 18-20 miles per gallon without hauling. Baker City Auto Ranch has agreed to accept the 2016 vehicle as a trade in with a $17,000.00 allowance. The final cost of the 2022 Ram 2500 with the trade-in value will be $47,700.00.
Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the purchase of a 2022 Ram 2500 from Baker City Auto Ranch for $64,700.00 with a trade-in value of $17,000.00 for a total cost of $47,700.00. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4. Tech: Server and Additional Storage Purchase Approval: Ms. Christena Cook, County Accountant reported that the Baker County IBM server is over five years old and is in need of replacement. Due to cyber insurance requirements the County needs to increase its storage capacity which will allow for additional information to be backed up which will speed up the recovery in case of a cyber-attack. The cost of the IBM Server is $53,432.97. The cost of the additional storage is $32,857.10.
Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the purchase of the IBM Server for $53,432.97 and additional storage for $32,857.10 from Manage INC. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
c. Baker County Foreclosure Property Update: Ms. Heidi Martin, Executive Assistant & HR Director reported Baker County has recently foreclosed on the following properties.
1. Bare Land on 15th St. in Baker City
2. Bare Land on Corner of Court & 15th St. in Baker City
3. Bare Land off Sumpter Valley Hwy
4. Elkhorn Estates 0.01 Acre Bare Land
The Commissioners directed Ms. Martin and Ms. Erin Linan, Management Assistant, to prepare the necessary documents to approve the auction of the first three properties at the next Commission Session.
d. Assessor: Tax Refund Credit Update:
Kerry Savage, Tax Assessor, and Shawn Berry, Assistant Assessor, were present to give an update. Commissioner Harvey mentioned a recent article in the Baker City Herald on increased property values and property taxes. Mr. Savage expressed his approval of the article and thought it explained the topic well. He explained that the article covers the effects of compression and why some people’s property taxes may increase more than others. Mr. Berry added that the current increase in real market value is based on 2021 sales, and 2022 sales will not be considered until next year. There was a question from an online participant, Jason Bland, asking Mr. Savage to explain the definition of compression. Mr. Savage gave a brief description of compression. He concluded by encouraging everyone to read the article from the Baker City Herald, as it did an excellent job of explaining what is going on.
Mr. Savage informed the commissioners of continuing the potential refund credit for De Shaw, Pacific Corp, and Idaho Power. De Shaw is currently with the Supreme Court, and Pacific Corp is in tax Court with delays due to information exchanges being requested. Idaho Power is in abeyance until the Pacific Corp court case can be decided. De Shaw, Pacific Corp, and Idaho Power all have potential refund credits. De Shaw has had a potential refund credit since 2019-20. Pacific Corp and Idaho Power have had a potential refund credit since 2021-22. These companies are in Baker County’s top ten taxpayers, with Idaho Power as the number one. The recommendation is to collect all taxes except for the portion placed in a potential refund credit account by the Baker County Treasurer. The Commissioners agreed with the recommendation.
e. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund Review and Prioritization (LATCF $6.5 million):
Commissioner Bennett began by thanking Ms. Christena Cook, County Accountant, and Ms. Heidi Martin, Executive Assistant & HR Director, for their work drafting a plan to allocate the $6.5 million fund. They invited Ms. Christina Witham to be involved in the process to create a smooth transition for when he and Commissioner Harvey leave, and she takes office in January. He acknowledged receiving over eighty emails and messages containing projects, ideas, visions, and proposals for the funds. He continued that they considered all but had to strategically select and prioritize projects that would provide long-term benefits for the County. The team's goal was to keep the County in a high-level solid fiscal state. What they identified and recommended for the first round of funds was $1.45 million to pay off the Ward Property. $1 million to put the water line in at Hewitt Park. $30,000.00 to replace the Courthouse circulating pump. $162,000.00 to make technology upgrades. $100,000.00 to purchase vehicles for the Sheriff's Office. $50,000.00 to pay County Counsel fees. $35,000.00 to purchase a vehicle for the juvenile department. Last $666,667.00 for the Sheriff's Emergency Operations Center Grant. The reasoning for selecting these was that they could be completed this calendar year.
Commissioner Harvey inquired about the projections being approximately $250,000.00 over budget. Commissioner Bennett explained that they also have funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act that they are currently working under that they believe could cover the over-budgeted portion. He continued that this is a very dynamic set of circumstances and that CARES, ARPA, and LATCF are all involved simultaneously. Some of the projects currently funded under those programs will not utilize all of the projected funding. An example he gave was the $60,000.00 reserved in ARPA for a childcare program that was never used so that money could be shifted. He ensured that the plan was not to overspend but would like to observe that other funding programs are involved.
Commissioner Bennett explained they also have a rough draft of projects for the second round of funding but that it will be left in the hands of the new Commissioners to make final decisions due to lack of time. First, $350,000.00 to upgrade the Jail's control boards and doors. Second, $1.2 million for an SRS Reserve fund. There has been discussion that if a Road District is created, there could be a shortfall if SRS funding goes away. Next, $550,000.00 to replace the museum roof. $50,000.00 for election room modifications to satisfy new election law standards and regulations. $50,000.00 of seed money for replacing the museum HVAC system. $50,000.00 to install an ADA-approved bathroom for the weed department, as required for the meetings they have at their facilities. $200,000.00 to pay down PERS, Commissioner Bennett explained how the State's PERS system is a mess, counties, cities, and districts are required to find funding to pay for it. He explained that it is tentative as some funding streams did not qualify to be used for that purpose in the past. Next, $101,225.12 for specialized road improvements. Commissioner Bennett continued that he and Commissioner Nichols agreed it would be a good idea to consider $100,000.00 for an accounting software upgrade. $500,000.00 to make repairs on the 4th Street building. $50,000.00 to install garage doors for the road department's storage facility. $500,000.00 to repair or replace the Courthouse roof. Last, $15,000.00 to purchase a used federal surplus vehicle for the Watermaster. Commissioner Bennett acknowledged again that the projections show a deficit but explained that many items are placeholders.
Commissioner Bennet continued to explain that he witnessed a tendency in many proposals to use the funding for personnel. He stated that he could agree with a statement recently made by the City, which is that our annual taxes no longer keep up with our annual expenses. He explained that they receive about 3% of new money, which is quickly depleted by the cost of living raises, step increases, utilities, and repairs. After discussing this at length with the team, they felt they needed to select projects that would keep them going on a solid basis, such as maintaining the facilities. He reiterated that the projections are only a road map and that they can be adjusted, and some will be adjusted. Commissioner Nichols expressed his thoughts and agreed that these funds are best used on one-time expenses such as maintenance, repairs, and improvements. Commissioner Harvey also agreed.
Commissioner Harvey moved to proceed with the first round of priorities. Commissioner Nichols seconded. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
7. Ratification of Documents
a. Financial Reports: C56, C48, C49, V03, and the September Treasurer’s Financial Report.
Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the aforementioned financial reports. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
8. Other Business:
a. Commissioner Update:
· Commissioner Bennett reported on fire plan meetings, they have closed the mapping, and the land use piece became advisory. The cost of adopting the plan has caused a lack of interest. The planning department is experiencing a housing issue and one of the planners is leaving.
· Commissioner Harvey reminded everyone that there will be only one Commission Session next month on November 2nd due to AOC conference November 14th-18th. Hewitt Park is closed for the season due to low water levels. He will be framing the office building and roof structure at the Park next week.
· Commissioner Nichols reported that he will attend a New Directions meeting and Community Connections meeting on October 25th.
b. Comparison of Calendar:
9. Adjournment
The October 19, 2022 Commission Session adjourned at 10:30 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant |