BOCC Meeting

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on September 14, 2026, where key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a joint resolution and an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Bend to extend the Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA) through June 30, 2027. The board approved allocating additional funds to support operational and case management costs for the TSSA, which serves as a managed camp for the homeless population. Public testimony emphasized the importance of continuing funding to avoid dispersing homeless individuals across the county, which could increase public safety and emergency service costs. Additionally, the board considered a letter of support for the Terrebonne Domestic Water District's $1.5 million grant application to the Oregon Regional Infrastructure Fund for water system improvements, including fire protection enhancements. The board voted to support the letter with added context about county partnerships and infrastructure planning. Another agenda item involved discussion of adopting a model defensible space code to improve wildfire safety, with staff recommending further coordination with local fire districts and jurisdictions before formal adoption. Lastly, the board agreed to schedule a public hearing on a land use appeal related to Thornburg Resort, bypassing the hearings officer process to expedite review. No votes were taken on the Thornburg item during this meeting. Overall, the meeting focused on extending funding for homelessness services, supporting regional infrastructure projects, and advancing wildfire safety policy discussions.