Wasco County is facing a critical 911 staffing shortage, with three vacant dispatcher positions and a possible fourth on the way. Officials are proposing a $146,100 contract with GetResQ911 LLC to bring in two experienced temporary dispatchers and prevent burnout among existing staff while maintaining emergency response coverage. 

The Wasco County Board of Commissioners will consider accepting a $120,000 planning grant, approving a new opioid settlement agreement, and renaming a livestock arena in honor of a longtime fair volunteer during its regular session on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

A community survey asking for ideas on how to use the money received 345 responses and they generally fell into seven categories - schools, tax relief, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, housing, and homelessness.

The group will discuss how to use Strategic Investment Program money from Google through recent agreements for the two new data centers being built on former aluminum smelter property in The Port of The Dalles.

Revisions to the code laws were spurred by unresolved violations such as abandoned vehicles, some nearing a decade without resolution. But other property owners throughout the county are asking for clarifications, and revisions to ensure their property rights.

Public comment is set to open for Google’s latest tax reduction at a joint meeting between The Dalles City Council and Wasco County Commissioners on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 2:30 p.m. The 20-year deal would require Google to pay 50 percent and 60 percent of assessed property taxes on two new data centers respectively. The deal is potentially worth $90 million to start.