Jefferson County commissioners have approved a site control agreement that allows developers to conduct feasibility studies for a proposed battery energy storage project in Madras — a potential economic development win for the region.

Jefferson County and the City of Madras have announced a joint strategic planning effort to create a shared five-year vision for the future of the county. The collaboration represents an unusual step toward coordinated governance between the two biggest local governments.

Jefferson County commissioners have approved a site control agreement for a proposed battery energy storage project near Madras, a step that clears the way for developers to conduct a full feasibility study on a project that could add a significant piece of clean energy infrastructure to Central Oregon.

Jefferson County voters rejected the library expansion bond measure for the second consecutive election, this time by a 2-to-1 margin. As the library district absorbs the loss, questions arise about what comes next for the aging Madras facility and the proposed Culver branch.

The Jefferson County School District 509J is trimming $2 million from its 2026-27 budget, cutting 16 to 18 positions through attrition and reassignment. Superintendent Jay Mathisen says the cuts are proportional and no employees will lose their jobs.

Governor Kotek declared a drought emergency in Jefferson County in April, citing record-low snowpack and severe dry conditions. With fire season now in full effect and summer irrigation demands rising, the pressure is mounting.

A Jefferson County ranching couple filed a lawsuit in early 2026 alleging Central Electric Cooperative's negligence caused last summer's 95,000-acre Cram Fire, which destroyed homes and forced evacuations across Jefferson and Wasco counties.

Jefferson County has posted a Notice of Supplemental Budget Hearing for the current fiscal year. The hearing gives the public an opportunity to weigh in before the Board of Commissioners adopts any mid-year budget adjustments.

Madras held its first budget committee meeting this month as the city faces a June 30 deadline to adopt a balanced budget. Interim administrator Gary Clyne is overseeing the process while three key leadership positions remain vacant. The meeting hinted at a possible reorganization of city departments.

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners holds its next regular meeting Wednesday, June 10, beginning at 8:15 a.m. at the county offices. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input during the citizen comment period.

Voters in Jefferson County rejected a bond measure that would have funded a new library building in Madras for the second time in two years, with 65% voting no. Meanwhile, tax levies for the Camp Sherman Road District and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District both passed comfortably.