10/14/2026 - Board of Commissioners - Wednesday Meeting

At the October 14, 2026, Deschutes County Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board unanimously approved a subaward agreement with Headwaters Behavioral Health Redmond for development and operation of a 16-bed children’s subacute residential treatment facility. The project was discussed as costing nearly $8.8 million, with a $3 million Oregon General Fund allocation identified; the operator is expected to fund operations primarily through insurance reimbursement. The facility is projected to open in July or August 2027. The Board also unanimously selected Delta Dental Moda plan option 2 for county employees, which provides 100% coverage from the first year and adds about 4% to the health-plan benefit fund; staff said it would not affect the employer contribution.

Limitless Solutions, on behalf of Lava Bear Solar, presented community and agency outreach findings regarding a potential solar project and lease on county-owned property north of Fort Thompson Lane. The Board did not approve proceeding with lease negotiations; commissioners requested a county-hosted community listening session and further discussion before considering the proposal. The Board also approved three annexations into Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District No. 2 and, by a 2–1 vote, approved the Dickey Road LLC comprehensive plan amendment and rezone request. No other contract award or purchasing action was identified.