10.8.26 Regular Meeting

Regular meeting of the Multnomah County Board (MultCoBoard), October 8, 2026 (meeting title; metadata timestamped October 9 UTC). The board postponed consideration of the second reading of the ambulance service plan to October 29. The plan would set different ambulance response-time standards by geography, including a proposed change from 8 to 15 minutes for Fairview, Wood Village, and Troutdale. City representatives and other speakers challenged the proposed change and the engagement and data-review process; commissioners discussed system finances, provider accountability, possible subsidies, and procurement deadlines tied to the current AMR contract, which ends in 2028. Staff said the plan must undergo state review before the next ambulance procurement. The board also discussed adding written commitments for partner engagement, equity review, and performance data transparency.

The board approved an agreement with the City of Portland and $150,000 for expanded sidewalk cleaning on the 82nd Avenue corridor; Junkit was identified as the assigned contractor, with monthly service reporting. It approved a notice of intent to seek up to $2,925,000 from the Oregon Health Authority over 30 months to establish a statewide wraparound center of excellence. The board also approved a federal US DOT PROTECT grant application for the Stark Street Bridge replacement; the required local match is $3.5 million, or 10%, from county road funds. No construction contractor has been selected, and staff estimated construction could begin in 2031 and finish by 2033 if grant funding is secured.