During its regular meeting on Jan. 18, the Harney County Court resumed its conversation concerning the Harney County Fair Board.

A work session was held Jan. 11 at the Harney County Fairgrounds to discuss fair board appointments and possible changes. Other topics of discussion included financial challenges and a vision for board members and directors that would focus on the sustainability and profitability of the fair.

During the Jan. 18 meeting, the court agreed to appoint Jerry Staley, Chance Peila, and Zelley to the Harney County Fair Board.

Current board members Kevin Pryse and Jim Kelley will continue to serve their terms.

Harney County Commissioner Patty Dorroh will serve as the court’s liaison to the fair board.

“It would be my intent to go to as many of the board meetings as possible to listen and to just be in the know,” Dorroh explained.

Harney County Judge Pete Runnels and Harney County Commissioner Mark Owens said they will also attend some of the meetings.

“You’re all welcome at any time,” Interim Fair Manager Rick Paul said.

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Angela Lamborn, Harney County Senior and Community Services Center executive director, attended the meeting to discuss Section 5310 (Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities), Section 5311 (Formula Grants for Rural Areas), and Special Transportation Fund transportation funding grants.

After some discussion, the court agreed to approve the funding applications.

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In other business, the court:

• held a work session prior to the regular meeting.

Harney County Treasurer Nellie Franklin and Harney County Human Resources/Finance Administrator Deanna Atwell attended the work session to discuss the accounts payable process and vouchers submitted for approval.

The court reviewed and approved the vouchers by court signature.

Holly Orr of the Bureau of Land Management also attended the work session to provide follow-up information from the previous county court meeting;

• was addressed during the public comment period by Mary Ausmus regarding icy conditions in front of the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center.

Runnels said he would discuss the issue during the center’s next board meeting;

• appointed Alta Tanner, Chris Williams and Gwendlyen Long to the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization (EOCCO) Local Community Advisory Committee (LCAC).

Dorroh will be the court’s representative on the EOCCO LCAC;

• discussed drinking water test results.

Box R Water Analysis Laboratory of Prineville took samples from all of the county buildings Dec. 8, 2016, and Neilson Research Corporation of Medford analyzed them for lead content. All of the water tested very low for lead;

• discussed the Malheur National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions for winter 2017;

• discussed a recent cooperating agency meeting for the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision.

Owens and Dorroh expressed concern about the unavailability of information that is in the draft process.

Owens will follow up with Steve Beverlin, forest supervisor for the Malheur National Forest;

• reviewed water use requests;

• held an executive session at 11:30 a.m. to consult with legal counsel concerning current litigation or litigation that is likely to be filed.

There being no further business, the court adjourned at 12 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Harney County Court will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. at the courthouse.