Photo by RANDY PARKS

Harney County Judge Pete Runnels provided an update during the State of the County on Friday, Feb. 21. 

The Harney County Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of the County on Friday, Feb. 21, with a number of community leaders reviewing the past year and looking forward to 2020.

Lola Johnson, executive director for the chamber, welcomed everyone to the event, gave a brief overview of the chamber’s mission, accomplishments, and plans for the future, and then turned the microphone over to Harney County Judge Pete Runnels.

Runnels noted that the past year was challenging for the county court, with the budget being the “headliner” for the year. However, he said the court addressed the situation and is moving forward with positive results. Runnels said he’s very optimistic that the county can begin to replenish the funds that had to be dropped down.

“Also, today, I would like to announce some of our options for Home Health and Hospice have not come together, and I will not let it linger with uncertainty for the patients and staff alike,” Runnels said. “Due to the frugal spending, we are seeing positive results. But in light of that, a breakdown has occurred on the hospice end of things. I will be budgeting for the county to retain and continue those services into the future, as this community is accustomed to. We absolutely cannot be without these services.”

Runnels stated that the county jail is also a high priority, and the county is continuing to look into the best options for improving the facility, as well as seeking funding for a new jail, a remodel, or both to bring the facility into compliance.

The fairgrounds is another area in dire need of attention Runnels said. Jordon Bennett, fair manager, has been writing grants, and following a facility analysis, the most desired component is an indoor arena.

The big change for this year’s fair is that horse racing has been moved away from the fair and is scheduled to take place the last weekend in July. There is also serious discussion about moving the fair and rodeo to August in the next year or two.

“There are many reasons that play into that discussion,” Runnels said, and he reminded the crowd that the fair board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the fairgrounds.

Runnels also touched on the medical services provided by the county, the library and Western History Room, the road department, and new revenue that should be coming in from the solar farms and other entities.

He welcomed Kristen Shelman to the court as commissioner, replacing Mark Owens, and commended the county employees for their commitment and performance.

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County Commissioner Patty Dorroh complimented those who serve on various boards, organizations, committee, etc. in the county and thanked them for doing so.

She noted that the county faces various challenges in the coming year, including the groundwater issue, the county budget, forest planning, and economic development, but said the county and community are meeting the challenges head on.

“I’m feeling very positive about Harney County, and I hope you are too,” she said.

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Hines City Administrator Kirby Letham first praised the city staff for the jobs they perform on a daily basis.

He said BioDynamics, a proposed alfalfa/wood pellet mill, continues to move forward, and it is hoped that the facility will be in operation by this fall.

As for new developments, he mentioned Dollar Tree, the West Ridge Apartments, the RV storage sheds, and The Country Washboard laundromat. The city was also able to pave Roe Davis Avenue, and the water system improvement project should be under way this spring.

Other planned improvements include paving West Hanley, installing a sprinkler system in the main park, more street repairs, and finding solutions for the housing crisis.

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Burns City Council President Charity Robey reviewed the accomplishments, goals, and challenges the council faced in the past year.

The council established an economic grant program, as well as an economic development loan program, worked on city ordinances to address nuisances in the community, and will soon begin work on a water master plan for the city.

She said the city hired a “head-hunter” firm to help with the search for a permanent city manager.

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Catherine White, chief financial officer for Harney District Hospital, reviewed the past year’s statistics, programs, and successes. She said the hospital’s staff increased from about 95 employees in 2002 to 207 today.

She talked about the increase in the number of services that the hospital provides and new programs, for both patients and staff, that were put in place.

In terms of the quality of care provided, White said the Family Care Clinic ranked the highest in Eastern Oregon by measures established by the Oregon Health Authority.

Remodeling is under way to improve the facilities for patients and staff. White added that the VA clinic, currently housed in the Racine Building, will be moving to the Steens Mountain Plaza, and the health district will move some of its services to the Racine Building.

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Harney County School District No. 3 Superintendent Steve Quick was the final presenter.

He said the district serves approximately 850 students in grades K-12, with about 400 at Slater Elementary, and just over 200 students at both Hines Middle School and Burns High School. The district has a staff of 129, and offers a wide variety of academic coursework and extra-curricular activities.

To ensure a safe, secure environment for all involved, the district will be placing a bond measure on the ballot in May. The bond measure is for $8 million, which is estimated to raise property taxes by 45 cents per thousand. That equates to about $45 per year on a $100,000 home, or about $3.75 per month.

“As long as the bond measure passes, we have been approved for a $4 million matching grant from the state,” Quick said. “But this is not received unless the measure is passed.”

Quick summarized the planned improvements and provided handouts for those who wanted them.

“Ultimately, we are looking forward to improving our facilities so they are safer, healthier, and can be something our community is proud of.” Quick said. “The state of the school district here in Burns and Hines is very strong as we continue to build on our past success while looking to the future with the hopes of continued community support, especially as we look to voters to support our continued efforts to optimize and build district facilities for students and expanding programs to ensure their continued success.”