The following are the unapproved minutes from the Harney County Court meeting held Feb. 2. These minutes were edited for clarity and length. 

Brooke Hatley provided an update on the  Juvenile Department.

She said caseloads have reached an all-time high, and many cases are related to substance abuse. Hatley said the increase may be attributed, in part, to boredom due to in-home schooling, lack of social activities, and lack of supervision because of COVID-19. 

Hatley also provided a brief update on income, expenses, and inventory and requested a separate budget line item for community service supervision.

Additionally, she noted that the department reached out to a former transport driver for temporary transportation assistance. For safety reasons, the department would like to use a caged vehicle for transporting juveniles. 

Harney County Commissioner Patty Dorroh asked about the type of substance abuse that the department is seeing. Hatley replied that it’s mostly marijuana and some vaping, adding that vaping can be used for hard drugs like morphine, LSD, etc.

Dorroh also asked about the increase in property crimes. Hatley replied that it appears to be due to juveniles getting high and/or drunk and causing property loss.

Dorroh praised the presentation and asked the department to stay in touch with the court.

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Suzanne Settle reported on the progress of the Emergency Management Program and provided a handout with upcoming projects. 

The department is holding several training sessions that will include numerous Eastern Oregon counties. Some county officials will be invited to participate.

Emergency Management is still waiting on parts to repair the repeater tower, which is needed for the upgraded communication facilitation between Grant and Harney counties. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is holding a true exercise on emergency response and management in Eastern Oregon.

The department is exploring grants to complete wildfire break-lines. Drought conditions are likely to continue, and the break-lines will be a great resource in fighting wildfires. Harney County Judge Pete Runnels asked whether the break-lines are being built on public or private lands. Settle said most will be on public lands, along county roads.

Settle also reported that the personal protective equipment inventory is well stocked, including some COVID self-testing kits.

She also announced a plan for youth education through school visitations as well as internships for college credits. 

Dorroh asked Settle to bring ham radio operators to a future meeting to see how they fit into the Emergency Management communication network. 

Dorroh also asked why she hasn’t seen any wolf-sighting alerts recently. Settle said she believes the pack has moved into California, but said it could come back.

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In other business:

• Harney County Roads Supervisor Eric Drushella requested a state of emergency for a new bridge at Highway 78 and Airport Road. He explained that current weight restrictions are not enough for current usage. Runnels suggested informing Harney District Hospital Emergency Medical Services and the Sheriff’s Department when work is about to begin.

Harney County Commissioner Kristen Shelman made a motion to approve Resolution 2022-02 and declare that, due to the restrictions placed upon bridge 25A55, it be considered for immediate replacement.

Dorroh seconded the motion, and it carried;

• the Road Department recommended approving private access off of Hutchinson Lane.

Shelman made a motion to approve the recommendation, and Dorroh second it. The motion carried;

• Rick Paul was reappointed to the Budget Committee for a three-year appointment (from 2022-2024);

• the court had a first reading and discussion of Ordinance 2022-01 in the matter of imposing a Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) within Harney County, creating a promotion and tourism fund, providing for collection and enforcement, establishing penalties, and referring it to the people.

Shelman made a motion to accept the first reading of Ordinance 2022-01. Runnels seconded the motion, and it carried;

• the court had a first reading of Ordinance 2022-02 in the matter of implementing the TLT within Harney County, providing administrative procedures for collection, refunds, and enforcement; establishing penalties; and providing for an allocation of the funds dedicated to tourism promotion and county services.

Dorroh made a motion to accept the first reading of Ordinance 2022-02. Shelman seconded the motion, and it carried.

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During the public comment period, Barbara Cannady informed the court that she made a small, personal cash withdrawal on one of her credit cards, and the notation came back referencing Harney County Commission. Canaday was told that she will need to investigate the notation, as the court cannot access her account, and the county has never had an account by that name.

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The following meeting of the Harney County Court was held Tuesday, Feb. 22. Meeting minutes were not available by press time.