Wasco County Commissioners met on Wednesday, squeezing a lot into just shy of 2 hours.
Commissioner Rodger Nichols read a American Association of Code Enforcement Proclamation and thanking all who do that job.
Wasco County Assessor Jill Amery reported to the Commissioners on the Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife in Lieu of Tax Payments 2026-27, which lead to a comment from Commission Chair Scott Hege:
“This is a pretty cool thing, we have a government agency that actually is paying taxes on government owned land.”
Speaking of taxes, one thing that makes Wasco County unique is they are one of a hand full of counties that have a Farm Board. They get together to talk about taxes, taking input from all. Assessor Amery invites all who are interested:
“Farm board meeting is really interesting, it’s a public meeting and I would encourage, we’re trying to get more people to come and join and so that we get more feedback, more feedback is better for us, so we would love to have more people come.”
Jim Winterbottom of The Dalles Disposal appeared before commissioners to present proposed rate increases for 2027:
“With the 2.57% increase, if you’re a rural customer and have a 90-gallon roll cart, currently you’re paying $40.97 per month, the increase would be $1.05 per month, taking it to 42.02 or 24 cents per pickup. On a yard and a half dumpster, if you will, you’d be paying $131.90 currently, the 2.57% increase would be $3.38 a month or 70 cents per pickup. So, if you have a 32 gallon can, currently you’re paying $24.04 a month, you would see an increase of 61 cents a month taking it to 24.65 or 21 cents per pickup.”
After more discussion with the Commissioners, they approved the increase.
Commissioners also heard a report from the Prosecuting Attorney, a presentation about a Community Information Needs Assessment as well as a presentation from the Mosier Fire District on the possible use of County property to build a new Fire Station.
There was a lot of information on all these subjects at the meeting, you can watch the meeting online at: https://www.wascocountyor.gov/departments/board_of_county_commissioners/agendas,_board_packets,_minutes.php