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5*^ ************|= cr |_ ot 0074A**C007 Exp 05/07/2016 BAKER COUNTY LIBRARY 2400 RESORT ST BAKER CITY OR 97814-2721 115 years in Bakey Cow$ XS lois Sumpter Valley Railroad Depot wwwxnerconimexoffl Thursday, March 17, 2016 Est. Haines 1901 ~ Haines, Baker County, Oregon Volume 115, Number 11 • 10 Pages • $1 Baker County’s Budget By Gina Perkins 10 Baker County Department Heads including Christena Cook, Administrative Services Director and Dan McQuisten from Facilities were present at Wednesday's March 9, Commission Work Session. Cook provided an update on the financial position of Baker County and McQuisten provided an extensive update on proposed facilities projects. ' Cook opened the meeting by explaining that July 1 through November is the most crucial to the County's budget for cash flow because of the slow down in property tax payments. "Never in the 15-16 years during my tenure have we had to go outside the County for financing. I've heard horror stories of 36 hour work weeks and those things can happen if we don't pay attention," said Cook. "Where we are right now is where we should be," she added. Cook went on to say there are items coming this year and Commissioners need to make some decisions. "The Department Heads know what they need to do," Cook stated. Cook discussed several of the hits to the budget which included an estimated $306,000 in the McCarty settlement, which according to County officials, insurance has declined to pay. Commis sioners will be contacting the insurance company again regarding the matter. The likely loss of Secure Rural School funding, reductions in PILT payments which drastically reduce the Road Department and County Fire budgets, BCLA Union negotiations, increases in PERS and insurance, all play a role. Additionally, decisions by Commissioners on the proposed purchase of the ODOT building, repairs to the building and utilities, fluids to purchase property by the Road Department, Justice Court staffing adjustments and purchase of Electronic Case Management software by the District Attorney's Office, all have or will, significantly affect® the budget. The Water Resources Department is also considering moving out of the Courthouse which would result in an annual loss to the County of $24,000 in rent. "We have the next fiscal year covered with County Fire thanks to good fiscal management," stated Mark Bennett. "We're right at the yellow fight with carry over," Bennett said. "I hate to be a dinosaur, but I've been here when we've been broke," Bennett also said. "And these are just the things I know about," Cook pointed out more than once. "Sorry, but that's my update," Cook concluded. Facility Director Asks Commissioners to Please Prioritize A lengthy discussion was led by Dan McQuisten of Facilities regarding several projects. McQuisten said he needed the Commis sioners to let him know how they wanted to proceed and provided information within staff reports on the various projects, which mostly are Elms. unfunded. All of the costs associated with the demolition would be the responsibility of the County. Facilities Projects Discussed These points were also emphasized by McQuisten during his staff report to the During the Work Session: Commissioners and he expressed concern Sumpter Valley Railroad regarding the cost both in dollars and man Depot Building power resources. He also stated there is strong community sentiment about the Depot building, The Railroad Depot building is located at Tenth as well, and cautioned Commissioners about the and Broadway and is owned by the County. It sensitivity. currently houses the Parks Department and had, up until March 2, housed the Powder Basin Proposed Demolition of Watershed Council which has been a source of Foreclosed Property rental income to the County. In 1995, a lease agreement was secured by Another conversation regarding the proposed Steve Bogart and Union Pacific to lease the ground where the Depot Building sits at a cost of demolition of a house, located on a foreclosed $ 1 per year. A considerable community effort and property near South Baker School on 1244 significant funds from the Eccles faihily were Third Street, reflected concerns by Baker utilized for beautification of the building, history County Treasurer Alice Durflinger and boards, and paving of the property. The 1995 Christena Cook from Administrative Services. lease stated, "..this Lease shall extend for twenty The 75 foot by 100 foot lot and home has a (20) years and thereafter Lessee shall have four combined value listed on the Tax Assessor's (4) five year options to renew. Lessee shall advise website of $58,760. Harvey's intention is to demolish the house Lessor in writing not less than ninety (90) days prior to the initial termand. subsequent five year and remove the utilities. He stated he has scfieduTed the Roaa Department to do this option." When Commissioner Harvey was finished during Spring Break when students are not negotiating with Union Pacific, the lease present. Harvey had directed Facilities to take payment had skyrocketed from $1 annually to steps to demolish the home previously but $3,000 and the new lease stated the County could Harvey was informed by McQuisten that as of no longer sub-lease. Harvey was asked by Sheriff Jan. 1, a Pre-Demolition Survey is required Ash at the Work Session what the reason was before any demolition could occur. This was completed by Paulsen Environmental behind the $1 to $3,000 jump. "They have a new lawyer in charge over there," Consulting out of Vale which was the low Harvey stated. "He pretty much said take it or bidder. This was at a cost of $1100 to the County and came back showing there is no leave it," Harvey added. In a separate interview, Ed Elms, Volunteer asbestos on the property. On Friday, March 11, Chairman of the Parks Board said, "The Parks McQuisten had picked up the demolition permit Board did not have an opportunity to see the lease from the City, as directed by Harvey. McQuisten, Durflinger, and Cook expressed before Bill signed it. I don't think there was much negotiating and now the new lease says we can't concern over the decision for the County to spend money which would potentially devalue sublease." Harvey stated it was news to him that the the property with no guarantee these costs Powder Basin Watershed Council had moved would be reimbursed. Durflinger said, "When we foreclose on a out. They relocated to what is commonly known as the old KBKR radio station building across property we have to follow the ORS [Oregon from the Carnegie Art Center on March 2,2016. Statutes]. This isn't just Baker County's or the "So the Watershed Council left because they School District's money. It belongs to all of the were jerked around too much?" asked taxing districts, the Library, Blue Mountain Translator District, etc..." Commissioner Tim Kerns. "Is there an agreement between you and the Commissioner Harvey reportedly has on several occasions stated that he considers the School District?" asked Durflinger to Commis Depot building to be "junk", wants to tear it sioner Harvey. "Something that says we will re down, and relocate the Parks Department. But coup these extra costs, because I haven't seen one." that presents a problem to the County. "Neither have I," said Cook. "If we abandon the building, we have to tear it down, remove the kiosk, brickwork, curbing, pavement and return it to a gravel lot I don't see See BUDGET on page 2 how that's in Baker County's best interest," said Æ Young Life Raises $14,400 The annual Young Life dessert and auction fundraiser held at the i RHHI 1 Baker High School commons on Friday night had approximately 150 ;1 people attend and raised over $14,000. K ’MKj . j| Kristy Sandefur said, "This was a good crowd considering we were one of four fundraising banquets that happened in Baker in one week! We have 70 kids and leaders we need to get to camp for a total cost of $35,000." Sandefur encourages anyone who might not have been able to at tend but who still might like to make a donation to please call 541- 523-0661 or 541-519-5524. She can be reached by email at sandefur@q.com. "We want to say a big thank you to all who came and donated items to our auction... we'd be lost without our community's support!" said Sandefur. > s I EH AFX Ikr pS ESS A » Photo by Gina Perkins From left: Kristy Sandefur, Angie LaHaug and Alice Durflinger Burnt River Spring FFA Banquet Shrine All Kids Rodeo Lady Elks St. Patrick's Day Dinner April 7, 2016 at 5 p.m. Burnt River School Gym Tri-Tip Dinner, Auction Saturday, March 26 11 a.m. at the Show Barn Baker Co. Fairgrounds Friday, March 18 $15 6-8 p.m. for members & guests This fore- closed house is scheduled for demo- I i t i o n during Spring Break. Spring Bazaar Planned for April The seniors at Community Connection will have their 21st Annual Spring Bazaar on Saturday, April 2, 9-2 p.m. at Community Connection, 2810 Cedar Street, Baker City. Vendor tables are now available to rent, for displaying their handcraft, gift, food, and collectible items. Maundy Thursday Communion and Prayer from the First Presbyterian Church in-Baker City March 24,12-1 p.m. All are welcome to come together as a community for the celebration of communion. Pastors and congregants will be serving communion as well as offering prayer to those passing by. This will take place downtown on the sidewalk area on Court Street between Main and Resort Streets next to the Comer Brick over the lunch hour. Youth Track to Begin The Baker High School Track and Field Program will be hosting the Baker City Youth Program once again this spring. Kindergarten through sixth graders are welcome to attend and the season will run from March 28-May 4. Practice will be held at the Baker High School track. Cost is $30 per athlete with a $75 family cap and kids will receive a tee- shirt. Youth will be coached by BHS track athletes and their coaches. Registration forms can be picked up at the Baker County YMCA, the Baker High School Office, or at any of the practices. Just show up to the first practice on March 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the BHS track and be ready to have a great time! For more information call or email Suzy Cole at 541-524-2641 or suzy.cole@bakersd.org. 4005 23rd Street • PO Box 226 Baker City, OR 97814 (541) 523-3616
