Commissioner Prepares for Washington DC Lobbying on Payment in Lieu of Taxes

Crook County officials are gearing up for a crucial lobbying effort in Washington, D.C., as they seek to secure increased funding through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. During the Crook County Board of Commissioners regular session on September 3, 2025, it was announced that Commissioner Christina will travel to the nation’s capital on September 9 to advocate for higher PILT payments, which currently stand at $2.3 million. This funding is vital for the county, especially in light of the absence of Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding.

The meeting also highlighted the introduction of the new CEO for Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) to local community members, fostering connections with small business owners and stakeholders in natural resources. This initiative aims to broaden the understanding of issues affecting rural areas beyond Portland.

In public comments, concerns were raised regarding the county's handling of public records requests. Justin Aldrin, managing editor of the Prineville Review, expressed frustration over delays and inefficiencies in the production of records related to the Natural Resource Advisory Committee. He urged the commissioners to review the public records process to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Additionally, Aldrin pointed out potential governance issues surrounding the recent appointments to the Wolf Committee, questioning the lack of public notice and transparency in the appointment process. He emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures to maintain public trust.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners moved into executive session to discuss sensitive matters exempt from public disclosure, including labor negotiations. The session underscored the importance of balancing transparency with the need for confidentiality in certain discussions.

The outcomes of these discussions and the upcoming lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., are expected to have significant implications for Crook County's financial health and governance practices moving forward.