Get the gist of the most recent Wasco County Commissioners meeting without sitting through hours of public meetings.
Wasco County Commissioners Phil Brady, Steve Kramer and Scott Hege. Photo Credit: Wasco County
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore,. June 5, 2024 – Wasco County Commissioners passed a burn ban, fireworks ban, and passed Community Corrections and Patrol Services funding adjustments at their regularly scheduled meeting on June 5. Commissioners also heard a presentation on Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality.
Fireworks Ban
Alongside the burn ban, the board implemented a ban on the use of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Wasco County, effective immediately. This decision was made to further mitigate fire risks during the dry season, particularly around the Fourth of July celebrations, when firework-related incidents tend to increase. The ban aims to ensure public safety during dry climate conditions and prevent fire emergencies. The ban will remain in effect until the 2024 Wasco County Burn Ban is lifted.
Read the fireworks ban resolution by clicking here.
Getting the Gorge Smoke and Fire Ready
A presentation from OSU Extension on Wildfire Smoke impacts in the gorge showed a significant increase in monitoring stations in the Gorge.
The presentation showed how far the community has come:
OSU reported that during the Labor Day fires in 2020 the Department of Environmental Quality Monitors in the Gorge: one at Cherry Heights in The Dalles and 1 at Westside Fire Hall in Hood River. During that time air quality across Oregon was amongst the worst in the world.
OSU has since worked towards installing 50+ new air quality monitors in the Columbia River Gorge at schools, orchard sites, and with their organizational partners thanks to grant funding. As well as worked towards supporting community partners in communicating Air Quality index information to vulnerable groups. And worked to find alternatives to burning to reduce smoke in the local air shed through year round prevention and mitigation efforts.
Suggested alternatives to burning included: Chipping orchard waste and forest slash, offering free drop off days for yard debris and curbside composting 219 and air curtain incinerators for woody biomass.
Burn Ban
Following the recommendation from Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue and the Oregon State Fire Marshall Commissioners have passed a burn ban that will go into effect on June 10. This ban prohibits open burning, including agricultural and yard debris fires, to prevent the initiation and spread of wildfires. This preventive measure is meant to protect properties and natural resources due to the high risk of wildfires during the dry summer months.
Community Corrections Funding Amendment
The County passed an amendment to adjust the funding for community corrections for the 2024 year. The 2024 budget for Community Corrections totals $2,729,059. This funding was deemed by the County as crucial for the effective operation of community corrections, providing necessary support to reduce recidivism and help integrate individuals back into the community.
Patrol Funding Modification/Signing Authorization/Radio Consortium Agreement
In 2023 the County approved a Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreement with the USDA Forest Service Mt Hood National Forest for patrols in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The County amended the agreement to allow for a $75,000 funding increase due to the USFS donation of leftover monies from the White River Fire. The money will be used to hire a retired state trooper to increase patrols to protect resources. Additionally, they also signed an authorization for the county to enter into a radio consortium agreement, which will upgrade communication equipment and systems used by emergency services.
GIS Renewals
The board approved the renewal of the Geographic Information System (GIS) intergovernmental agreements currently in place between City of The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, Northern Wasco County PUD and Sherman County. The renewal of the contracts encompasses a duration of three years and accommodates incremental increas in fees by 3% annually.
What is GIS and why does the county need it? GIS is serves various County functions, including mapping, property assessments, and emergency management. Renewing these contracts is meant to help ensure that the county continues to have access to updated and accurate geographic data, which is essential for planning and operational efficiency.
County Commissioners Pass Resolution 24-007
Commissioners also approved resolution 24-007 authorizing the Board of County Commissioners Board Chair to sign off on modification to already approved grants and agreements where the only modification to the agreement is a change in funding amount. The hope is that this change will lessen administrative burdens and allow work to be completed more expeditiously.
Click here to watch the full meeting.
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