10/19/2026 BOCC Meeting

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners meeting was held October 19, 2026 (the transcript’s opening refers to 2023, but the agenda and reports largely identify 2026). The main procurement-related discussion concerned a proposed steel artwork for the South Century Drive and Huntington Road roundabout. A nonprofit presented plans for an approximately 8-by-10-foot Cor-Ten steel installation, with an estimated project budget of just under $51,000 to be raised through fundraising. The Board took no approval vote; staff said a county license agreement and permitting would return for consideration. Commissioners also advised the nonprofit to address insurance or funding for potential damage and replacement. A public commenter separately urged the Board not to proceed with proposed county-land solar lease negotiations associated with the Thornburgh destination resort while related land-use matters remain pending; no lease decision was made in this discussion.

Staff reported that the updated Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to FEMA for review and could help the county and partners pursue future grant funding, including for extreme-heat needs; no grant award or spending authorization was considered. The Board also discussed treasury and financial reports, including projected property-tax and interest revenue, investment liquidity, and possible future review of investment policy. Motions addressed land-use matters, including reopening a record and affirming a hearings officer’s rezoning decision, but no procurement award, solicitation, or contract expenditure was approved.