Jefferson County Oregon

06/12/2026

Jefferson County is hiring — and we have some amazing opportunities right now! If you’re looking for a job with purpose, stability, and great benefits, take a look 👇

🩺 Corrections Nurse Help care for Adults in Custody as part of our Public Health team. $83,731.78–$107,021.90

🚓 Corrections Deputy Join the Sheriff’s Office and help maintain safety and order in our correctional facilities. Certification pay available! $64,980.70–$92,280.24 annually

🤝 Traditional Health Worker I, II, or III Support families, build community connections, and help expand access to public health services. $45,978.08–$66,295.68 annually

🚧 Traffic Control & Sign Technician Entry level and we’ll train you! Help keep our roads safe by installing and maintaining signs and work zones. $46,092.00–$58,912.56 annually

🌞 Summer Work Program – 2026 Perfect for 2026 grads and full time college/vocational students who live in Jefferson County. Earn $19.20/hr while gaining real world experience! 📄 Apply here:

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06/10/2026

Jefferson County Commissioners – June 10, 2026

• Commissioners received updates during the monthly County Elected Officials and Department Director meeting during the Administrative Session that started at 8:15 a.m.
• Approved June 2026 Accounts Payable totaling $810,201.51 and $142,392.03, and the May 2026 Credit Card Payables totaling $156,420.05.
• Held a public hearing on an Ordinance amending Chapter 3.04 – Public Contracting Regulations and declaring an emergency. This was the first public hearing. The second public hearing will occur on June 24, 2026.
• Received an update from the County’s Investment Advisor, Government Portfolio Advisors (GPA) Fixed Income. GPA provides independent investment advice to the County on the management of public funds. GPA works with County staff to help protect public funds, maintain liquidity, and achieve competitive investment returns.
• Held a public hearing on the final supplemental budget amendment for FY 2025-26 (fiscal year ends on June 30, 2026). The Commissioners approved the budget amendment.
• Received a report from BrightSide Animal Shelter on statistics and usage of kennels for impounded or dangerous dogs from Madras Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Commissioners approved a 6-month extension ($28,804, approximately $32/day) through December 31, 2026. Brightside reported that during the last 12-month period, they accepted 53 dogs from Jefferson County. Forty-three of those dogs were law enforcement (Madras PD and JC Sheriff’s Office) impounds.
• Authorized expenditure of $20,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) (hotel room tax) funds to support Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office overtime patrols in Camp Sherman, July 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026, to mitigate tourism-related impacts.
• Approved a contract ($9,997) with Flip Flop Sounds to provide sound and lighting services for the 2026 Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo as recommended by the Jefferson County Fair Board.
• Authorized submission of Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant applications for the SW Geneva Road Improvements Project and the Montgomery Road Improvements Project, designating the County Administrative Officer or Board Chairman Mark Wunsch as the authorized signatories. Total request for both projects is $9,013,312.
• Discussed a proposed ordinance establishing an accelerated redemption procedure for waste or abandonment of tax foreclosed property. The Commissioners concurred to begin the public hearing process on the proposed ordinance.

• To view the entire agenda documents for this meeting and previous meetings, or sign up to receive future agendas, go to: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/administration/page/meetings

• For more information:
Chair Mark Wunsch [email protected]
Commissioner Kelly Simmelink [email protected]
Commissioner Seth Taylor [email protected]

06/05/2026

Did you know today is Environmental Health Specialist Day?

Neither did we!

Environmental Health Specialists test our lakes to make sure they are safe for recreation and for wildlife, monitor our air quality (especially important in fire season), and ensure septic and wastewater systems are functional to keep our soil and water healthy.

If you see Max or Sahalie today, give them a high five, or better yet maybe a tasty treat to say thank you for all they do 🤗

06/03/2026

Jefferson County Commissioners – June 3, 2026

• The Board began the day at Madras City Hall for a joint meeting with the Madras City Council. Discussion items included a 2026 Fire Season Preparedness briefing from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Lt. Bryan Skidgel and Jefferson County Fire/EMS District Interim Chief Kasey Skaar; an update on the City Administrator recruitment process; updates on both the City and County budget processes; and a report from the Madras/Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
• The Board reconvened at the County Administration Building to continue the meeting with Citizen Comments.
• Approved an amendment with the Oregon Health Authority providing an additional $234,947 to support local public health and rural healthcare services.
• Reviewed an update on the new Purchasing Ordinance, intended to modernize county procurement practices. Commissioners provided feedback, and the ordinance will return for further consideration at a future meeting.
• Approved payment vouchers for May 2026.
• Entered Executive Session to complete the final annual employee evaluation.

• To view the entire agenda documents for this meeting and previous meetings, or sign up to receive future agendas, go to: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/administration/page/meetings

• For more information:
Chair Mark Wunsch [email protected]
Commissioner Kelly Simmelink [email protected]
Commissioner Seth Taylor [email protected]

05/27/2026

Jefferson County Commissioners – May 27, 2026

• Received updates from the County Clerk, Finance Department (3rd Quarter Report), and Community Development on land use planning activities.
• Reviewed and approved multiple May 2026 payable vouchers and the April 2026 credit card report.
• Heard a presentation from Sunstone Energy and Torus regarding a proposed battery storage project next to the Fairgrounds that would provide lease revenue to the County. The Board approved a Site Control Agreement to move forward with the process to evaluate project feasibility.
• Held a public hearing on the FY 2025-26 supplemental budget to create the Community Resilience Fund, which separately tracks revenue and expenses tied to CARES Act and ARPA funding.
• Approved the County’s annual auto, property, earthquake, cyber, flood, workers compensation, and liability insurance renewals following a presentation from Marsh McLennan.
• Approved audit engagement letters with Aldrich CPAs & Advisors LLP for independent audit services for FY 2025-26.
• Approved a U.S. Forest Service grant agreement supporting law enforcement activities within Jefferson County.
• Appointed Linda Victorine to the Juniper Butte Special Road District.
• Entered Executive Session to continue annual employee evaluations.
• Announced a special meeting with the Metolius City Council scheduled for June 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Metolius Depot.

• To view the entire agenda documents for this meeting and previous meetings, or sign up to receive future agendas, go to: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/administration/page/meetings

• For more information:
Chair Mark Wunsch [email protected]
Commissioner Kelly Simmelink [email protected]
Commissioner Seth Taylor [email protected]

05/27/2026

Reminder: ODOT Open House Tonight

ODOT is hosting a public open house tonight for the upcoming U.S. 97 Earl Street to Colfax Lane project in Madras.

Stop by to view the final design, learn more about the construction schedule, and ask project staff questions about what to expect during construction.

Tonight, May 27
Drop in anytime between 5:00–7:00 PM
Madras High School Commons
390 SE 10th Street

This is an ODOT-led project and open house. The City is sharing this reminder to help keep the community informed ahead of construction.

Project information is available through the QR code on the flyer or at: https://direc.to/ow7B

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, we will be closed and will resume our normal business hours on Tuesday.

Thank you to all who have served our country. We are grateful for your service and sacrifice.

05/20/2026

🗳️View election results online at