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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 18, 2017)
Polk County News Polk County Itemizer-Observer • January 18, 2017 13A Polk County receives decreased timber payment By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer POLK COUNTY — The Bureau of Land Manage- ment issued nearly $19 million in timber pay- ments to 18 counties last week, including Polk County. Polk received $406,132, about 2.16 percent of the total payments. That com- pares to $845,495 issued last year. The lower amount is due to the expiration of the Se- cure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determi- nation Act, which was not renewed by Congress fol- lowing last year’s payment. That decrease in pay- ments may result in the c o u n t y i n c re a s i n g t h e amount property owners will pay on the public safe- ty levy. A final decision on that will come from the Polk County Budget Com- mittee when it reviews the budget this spring. Last year, the county charge 31.96 cents per $1,000, less than the 45 cents authorized by voters. During the levy campaign, county officials said the amount charged taxpayers for the levy would be offset by any timber revenue re- ceived. Greg Hansen, county administrator, said he will recommend to the budget committee that the county charge up to 39 or 40 cents per $1,000 on the levy to make up for less revenue. The payments follow the formula in the 1937 Ore- gon & California Land Act, which provides for a per- centage of timber cut rev- enues on federal land to be paid to counties. With the expiration of the SRS pro- gram, the 1937 act takes effect. Per the law, 50 percent of timber receipts are to go to counties. In fiscal year 2016, more than $40 mil- lion in timber receipts were paid. About $18.8 million was distributed to counties after a 6.9 percent se- quester. Douglas County re- ceived the largest payment of $4.7 million. NASA: Library and NASA to continue to work together Continued from Page 14A “We want to see where we could make the most differ- ences, make connections between NASA, public li- braries and state libraries to enhance the learning oppor- tunities available,” LaConte said. Both Obrist and LaConte expressed optimism about the tone and details from the discussion and hope that with community members helping to follow up with some of the ideas stated that the library will attract new patrons. “I thought it was a really good meeting,” Obrist said. “We had representation from a variety of different organizations and great connections were made. I think we’re really excited about the possibility of what kind of programs we might come up with during this project period and be- yond.” Obrist said the library sent invites to a number of peo- ple within the community to take part in the discussion to get a wide range of views and possible resources as possible. With the solar eclipse on the horizon and the NASA @ My Library program primed to help the library continue to build momen- tum into the future, Obrist said the library is in a unique position to become an even more integral part of the community that everyone can use. “It’s an opportunity to learn and grow,” Obrist said. “One thing about public li- braries is we’re life-long learning institutions.” West Valley Housing Authority will hold their Work Session Meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at 204 SW Walnut in Dallas, Oregon. The Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at 204 SW Walnut in Dallas, Oregon. An Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 will be held immediately follow- ing the Regular Meeting, if required. Agenda for the meeting is posted on the Housing Authority website at www.wvpha.org. The location for the meeting is handicapped accessible. Please advise the West Valley Housing Authority if you need any special accommodations to attend the meeting. For information, please call 503-623-8387, TDD 1-800-735-2900. JOLENE GUZMAN/Itemizer-Observer file Polk County received a decreased timber payment. a a a www ! Doesn’t that make you feel all Warm and Fuzzy? That’s the same feeling you’ll get when you have the Itemizer-Observer delivered to your home every week! (and we won’t chew up your shoes!) Call us today to have your paper delivered straight to you! Itemizer-Observer 503-623-2373 • www.polkio.com
