The following are the unapproved minutes from the Harney County Court meeting held Sept. 14. The minutes were edited for clarity and length.

Dr. Sarah Laiosa, public health medical director, discussed Resolution 2021-14 — the court’s resolution opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccine passports. Dr. Laiosa said language within the resolution mentions Harney County Public Health, and she asked that the resolution be amended, as there are statements that she finds to be medically incorrect. 

Harney County Commissioner Patty Dorroh said the language was adapted from a similar resolution from a county in Michigan. When the court reviewed the resolution, there was no discussion regarding whether it was vetted by public health officials. Dorroh said she was fine with amending the resolution to explain that it is a statement from the Harney County Court, rather than public health. 

Dr. Laiosa said she’d be fine with just removing the medically incorrect information. However, if the court was comfortable with removing the term “public health,” she would be agreeable to that as well. 

The court agreed by consensus to amend the resolution and bring it back for approval. 

Dr. Laiosa said she would like to see a unified front between the county court and their public health department related to COVID-19, and she asked to be involved in policy statements.

During the public comment period, former Harney County Judge Steve Grasty said the court is responsible for cooperating with directives relating to COVID-19. He said he hates mandates as much as anyone, but they have to keep public health in mind and consider the numbers when it comes to COVID.

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The court reviewed draft language regarding a potential resolution declaring a state of emergency in Harney County due to a possible lack of emergency and healthcare-related resources if vaccines are mandated. The court will work with Dr. Laiosa and county counsel to formalize the language. 

The court agreed to adopt a resolution declaring a state of emergency as soon as a final draft is prepared.

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The court reviewed Resolution 2021-23, initiating vacation proceedings for a portion of Allen Avenue in Crane.

Grasty asked the court to consider access and easements, ensure that it is in the best interest of the community, and avoid creating future barriers to development or access.

Dorroh asked the court to ensure that Grasty’s concerns regarding accesses and easements were addressed. 

Harney County Judge Pete Runnels stated that public access will be retained. 

Dorroh suggested discussing the access issue with county counsel before completing the vacation process.

The court then agreed to adopt Resolution 2021-23, initiating the vacation proceedings. Runnels noted that this action begins the process and sets a public hearing, in which possible access issues can be discussed. 

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In other business, the court:

• approved Resolution 2021-20 in the matter of creating Pacific Power & Light Tax Fund 647 for potential refund credit;

• adopted Resolution 2021-22 in the matter of naming Quail Lane;

• discussed issues with meeting space and ideas from minor renovation. 

Runnels said there is a need for improved space, renovations of the courthouse doors, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act access points. The court is prioritizing needs and projects;

• discussed liability insurance with Grasty. Grasty explained that litigation has continued from an incident that occurred more than five years ago. He said all of those lawsuits were regarding things that the county court did in good faith, representing Harney County. He added that $66,000 were spent to defend a retired county judge and former county sheriff, and all of the cases were dismissed; 

• discussed a public records request for documents related to the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance. Grasty presented the court with an additional public records request for documents relating to the ordinance process. The county counsel is working through the process;

• appointed Mardy Stewart, Julie Svejcar, Runnels, Dorroh, and Harney County Commissioner Kristen Shelman as a pool of members to the Harney County Board of Property Tax Appeals;

• opened the public hearing on the adoption of a supplemental budget and making appropriations for Predator Control Fund 243 and Public Health Fund 245. A general discussion ensued regarding COVID-related federal funding. Runnels closed the public hearing at 12 p.m., and the court approved the resolution;

• reviewed the Water Resources Department activity report and correspondence;

• held an executive session;

• will hold a quarterly budget meeting Oct. 19 at 9 a.m.;

• discussed donating to the Vietnam War Memorial on the state capitol grounds;

• discussed the progress of the RV park and sallyport projects;

• was told by Dorroh that the Veterans Services Office is welcome to use her office, if needed;

• was informed by Runnels that the county’s human resource officer received a notification from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the lack of masks in the courthouse;

• expressed hope that the General Fund will not need to take a temporary loan from the Road Department Fund this year; 

• discussed the many benefits of a mobile health clinic;

• recognized Jim Campbell, weed control coordinator, for his 10 years of service to Harney County;

• briefly discussed Rimrock Recycling and the lack of sustainable funding in the recycle industry;

• discussed the condition of the county industrial buildings. Shelman said there should be standards for upkeep;

• discussed the meeting minutes. Dorroh thanked the county clerk for accurately reflecting the discussion;

• learned from Shelman that an exit interview will be held with the former fair manager. Shelman will share the outcomes and recommendations. She also noted that there’s been a lot of interest in the fair manager and groundskeeper positions.

The next Harney County Court meeting will be held today (Wednesday, Oct. 6) at 9:30 a.m. at the Harney County Courthouse.