11/04/2026 - Board of Commissioners Wednesday meeting

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting on November 4, 2026, included a procurement-related vote to retroactively authorize Health Services to apply for and, if awarded, accept the Oregon Health Authority’s Health System Navigation Grant. The grant offers up to $150,000 over 24 months beginning July 1, 2027, for outreach and assistance to uninsured or underinsured residents navigating Oregon Health Plan eligibility and coverage. The motion passed. Commissioners also discussed a possible 30-year lease of 80 acres of county land for a Thornburgh solar project, reportedly at $1,500 per month. Concerns included wildlife habitat, water availability, property taxes, and the project’s location; the transcript records no approval to negotiate or enter into a lease.

The board discussed an audit of the county’s homelessness response and broader questions about the independence, access, and role of the internal auditor. The audit committee chair proposed exploring an RFP for an independent third party to help address working relationship issues, with a recommendation to come back to the board later; no procurement action was taken on that proposal. Public comments and board discussion referenced $25 million spent over six years on homelessness-related activity and $300,000 in grants. The board also approved a letter supporting Silver Rail Elementary School staff; no contract award or other purchasing decision was recorded.