Commissioners move to create county parcel for Route 33 sign; local group to seek lease and upgrades

The Board of County Commissioners voted Sept. 11 to create a separate parcel for an existing Route 33 sign and to assert county ownership so a local development group can pursue leasing and upgrades through ODOT.
Why it matters: Establishing county ownership and a parcel is a prerequisite for a private or nonprofit group to lease and legally upgrade the sign under ODOT rules.
Commissioners said the sign near the winery on Freeman Road had unclear ownership; ODOT confirmed it did not own the sign and indicated it would support a county-created parcel. The board discussed leasing the sign to HHTA/HHDA (regional development/tourism entities referenced in the packet) and noted the lease would be at arm's-length fair market value. The auditor will create the parcel and staff will include the winery property if appropriate. Commissioners took a roll-call vote and approved proceeding; staff will coordinate the ODOT application and lease terms.
The board emphasized that actual lease approval and upgrade work will follow ODOT review and any lease agreement negotiated with the county; creation of the parcel and assertion of ownership were the actions approved Sept. 11.