The following are the unapproved minutes from the Harney County Court meeting held April 8. These minutes have been edited for clarity and length:

Due to the COVID-19 precautions, the meeting was closed to the public with public comment being received via telephone. All recommended health precautions were followed by the county court and Harney County employees.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Herb Vloedman requested information regarding the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding and property tax payments. Judge Pete Runnels said the PILT funds are expected in the last week of June in the amount of approximately $1.1 million, and the county just received the Secure Rural School payment this week. Runnels has not had any discussions with the tax collector regarding tax payments due May 15, 2020.

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Runnels presented a letter to the court from Eric Drushella, Harney County Road Department, requesting the court deny the application to purchase county-owned property, account No. 22260, by Carysfort Reef LLC.  Commissioner Patty Dorroh made a motion to honor Eric Drushella’s request to not sell the property and sign the letter to the potential buyers. With no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.

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Karen Moon, of the Harney County Watershed Council, presented the court with the Watershed Council 2019 Yearly Report. The main project areas were community-based water planning, Harney Basin Wetlands Initiative, capacity, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Small Grant Program, and High Desert Youth Range Camp.  Additional topics of discussion included Harney County Agrimet stations, and Monitoring ET in the Harney Basin.

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Paul Gray, Emergency Management, presented the court with the Oregon COVID-19 daily update summary as of Tuesday, April 7. Topics of discussion included volunteer staffing, grants, COVID-19 testing, and a review of the Oregon COVID-19 daily update.

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The court approved Resolution No. 2020-09 in the matter of amending Resolution No. 2019-25 for the vacation of streets located in the town of Crane.

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Drushella was present for the opening of the asphalt bids. Three bids were received from Western States Asphalt, Albina Asphalt, and Idaho Asphalt. After a review of all the bids, Drushella recommended to the court that Idaho Asphalt be the supplier for the 2020 paving season. Runnels made a motion to approve the asphalt bid from Idaho Asphalt, the apparent low bidder. On the recommendation of Drushella, and with no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.

Drushella also discussed the COVID-19 safeguards and procedures that the Harney County Road Department is taking to keep the employees safe while working.

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Harney County entities will continue to follow COVID-19 recommendations for the month of April. Dorroh expressed her concern for local small businesses in Harney County during this unprecedented shut-down.  Andrea Letham, Treasure Valley Community College/Small Business Development Center advisor, has been visiting main street businesses to provide support and information on possible funds available.

Additional topics of discussion included broadband and the 2020/2021 budget.

The next county court meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the courthouse.