Council authorizes amended QLife intergovernmental agreement adding PUD as a partner

The council authorized the city manager to execute a second amended and restated intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for QLife, the intergovernmental broadband agency that provides open‑access fiber services in Wasco County. The amendment formally adds Northern Wasco County PUD as a member and changes the board structure to seven members, including the city manager, county administrator, the PUD general manager and additional at‑large representation.

City staff said the PUD will contribute resources and has funded a new QLife administrator; the revised IGA is intended to position QLife to pursue expanded service opportunities and make the organization more sustainable as it seeks federal and state funding. Councilors who have served on QLife praised staff work and supported executing the updated agreement. Councilor Randall moved to authorize the city manager to execute the amended IGA; Councilor Runyon seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Next steps: the city manager will sign the amended IGA and staff expect continued collaboration among QLife partners to finalize the services agreement and onboard the new executive director.