County Director of Operations provided multiple operational updates during the Dec. 3 meeting.

Ted clarified that ODOT had been asked about Harbor trash piles and that ODOT is arranging pickup; a private benefactor had offered to pay for cleanup but ODOT indicated a pickup was already scheduled. He reported the county-wide forensic audit is progressing and that departments were asked to supply inventory and disposition records; the audit was estimated at roughly $125,000 to $150,000. Ted also said negotiations with the sheriff's union are ongoing and indicated staff would report developments when available.

Other updates included: South Coast Lumber supplying the fairgrounds Christmas tree and staffing contingencies for lighting operations; a planned holiday parade in Gold Beach on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. (led by Amy Gaddis Parker); and outreach to restore seasonal Coast Guard rescue coverage, with reported contacts in the congressional delegation and a neighboring group that successfully sued to return a helicopter to Newport.

Commissioners also recognized juvenile services staff for outreach and announced a Jan. 13 training, "Growing Minds and Modern Highs," on THC, hemp and kratom for parents and the public.

No new county budget allocations or firm implementation timelines for the audit or Coast Guard advocacy were adopted at the meeting; items were presented as ongoing work.