Section
Jefferson County
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Commissioners Greenlight Site Agreement for Madras Battery Storage Project
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
Library Voters Say No — Twice. What Happens to the Jefferson County Library Now?
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.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Schools Absorb $2 Million Budget Cut — Without a Single Layoff
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.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Under Drought Emergency: What Farmers, Ranchers, and Residents Need to Know
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.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Ranchers Sue Central Electric Cooperative for $10M+ Over 2025 Cram Fire
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
Jefferson County Issues Notice of Supplemental Budget Hearing for FY 2025-26
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.
Jefferson County
Madras Budget Season Opens Amid Staff Turnover and Talk of Restructuring City Hall
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.
Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners Meets Wednesday: Public Input Welcome at June 10 Session
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.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Library Bond Fails Again; Camp Sherman Road and Fire Levies Pass
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.
Jefferson County
Warm Springs Completes 40+ Energy Efficiency Upgrades Through Energy Trust Partnership
Energy Trust of Oregon has completed more than 40 energy upgrade projects on the Warm Springs Reservation over the past two years, reducing energy costs for tribal households and buildings. The partnership is a model for rural tribal energy efficiency.
Jefferson County
New Bus Route Finally Connects Remote Warm Springs Communities to Madras and Kah-Nee-Ta
Cascades East Transit's new Route 21 launched May 5, running 50 miles through the Warm Springs Reservation to connect Simnasho and Kah-Nee-Ta with Madras — bringing transit service to areas that have gone without it for years.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Budget Adds New Deputy Sheriff Position as Public Safety Costs Rise
The Jefferson County 2026-27 budget includes funding for a new full-time position at the sheriff’s office, a top priority for Commission Chair Mark Wunsch as call volumes and costs grow across the department.