Board of Commissioners Formal Session 10/15/2026

The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners’ formal session on October 15, 2026, included several spending and procurement-related actions. The Board unanimously approved an amendment to the county’s property lease for boat storage at 712 East 14th Street in Newberg, increasing the annual cost by $1,000 to $11,000, with yearly renewals; commissioners noted they may evaluate a more permanent county-owned facility. The Board also approved a $47,194 State Homeland Security Program grant application, authorized the County Counsel to enter real-estate listing agreements for tax-foreclosed properties, and approved disposal of surplus transit vehicles after amending the list to retain vehicles for the county fair. For the Ready or Knot manufacturing-day event, commissioners approved funding through MEDP of up to $3,500, limited to documented student transportation and substitute-teacher costs, rather than the $9,000 initially requested.

Transit staff presented proposed fares and service adjustments to address rising operating costs and flat or declining revenues. Proposed fixed-route fares are $2 per ride, $5 for a day pass, $25 monthly, and $250 annually; a community pass program and ticket books for demand-response service are also proposed. Commissioners supported proceeding toward implementation, but the required public hearing is scheduled for October 22, 2026; planned service and fare changes are targeted for January 4, 2027. Discussion also emphasized future transit funding, including city contributions and fare-revenue impacts. A negotiated AFSCME contract was reported as ratified by the union, but was expected to come before the Board for consideration at a later meeting.