Klamath County commissioners approve rezoning ordinance, equipment purchase and multiple intergovernmental agreements

Klamath County commissioners on April 7 voted to approve a slate of routine motions including a rezoning ordinance, equipment purchases, intergovernmental agreements and procurement actions.

The board adopted Ordinance 44.174 (CLUP/ZC5-24) to change a parcel owned by the Arius family from a medium‑density residential comprehensive plan designation to light industrial and to change the zoning from suburban residential to industrial. Planning staff (Mr. Thrones) said this action implements a previously unanimous planning decision and carries no fiscal impact.

The sheriff’s office secured approval to accept a Criminal Justice Commission marijuana‑enforcement grant quote to purchase a LightLab 3 cannabis analyzer from vendor Orange Photonix for $17,810, including on‑site training and service. Lieutenant Lewis described the unit as a portable analyzer contained in a Pelican‑style case; staff said the purchase will be funded by the CJC grant.

Property management presented and the board approved a purchase and sale agreement to transfer a county parcel to the City of Klamath Falls for $30,357 to support construction of a booster station; the chair was authorized to sign the warranty deed.

The board also designated the chair to sign and execute a Business Oregon Brownfields Redevelopment Fund (BRF) application for the Hub property at 3319 S. 6th Street; staff said the BRF may provide up to $60,000 and requires a 10% applicant match (staff noted the county would cover estimated application costs not to exceed roughly $6,000 from reserves). Commissioners approved the submission.

Other approved items included: acceptance of a BLM contract modification acknowledging $18,784.90 in unused revenue for a prior option period (reducing the potential contract value for the performance period), acceptance of an amendment from the Oregon State Marine Board to reinstate prior-era recreational boating safety funds into the sheriff’s marine division special fund, and several noxious‑weed agreements and MOUs (including Running Y Ranch and a Modoc County regional MOU). The library service district accepted a proposal from MODOK Contracting Company, Inc. and issued a notice of intent to award a construction contract for the Library Community Courtyard project.

All motions in the regular meeting were approved by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.

What's next: Staff will complete follow‑up tasks for payments, procurement, and grant applications as required by each agreement.