Jefferson County Oregon

09/04/2026

In observance of Labor Day, we will be closed on Monday, September 7.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all workers whose dedication and hard work strengthen our communities every day.
Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday—thank you for all you do.

09/03/2026

ATV Update – Commissioners Have Received the Committee's Recommendation

The ATV Ordinance O-046-26 was adopted on April 22, 2026, and became effective July 21, 2026. The ordinance does not list the roads where Class IV ATVs are allowed. Instead, it states that the roads will be identified by a resolution adopted by the County Commissioners.

The Commissioners asked the public to nominate roads for consideration and created a review committee made up of the Sheriff, Public Works Director, and Chair Mark Wunsch to review the nominations and provide a recommendation.

The County Commissioners received the Class IV Route Review Committee's recommendation on September 2, 2026. The Commissioners are now asking for public input before making a final decision about Class IV ATV access on county roads.

The Commissioners will receive public comment on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Jefferson County Administration Building, 66 SE "D" Street, Madras, Oregon.

Written comments may also be sent to the County Commissioners:

Chair Mark Wunsch
[email protected]

Commissioner Kelly Simmelink
[email protected]

Commissioner Seth Taylor
[email protected]

Committee Review

The County Commissioners originally asked the public for input about Class IV ATV access on specific county roads. The Committee received a wide range of opinions. Some people asked that all county roads be open to Class IV ATVs, while others asked that all county roads be closed. The Committee also received 16 requests to consider specific county roads.

Some requests were for Forest Service roads, city streets, or other roads that the Committee does not have authority to review.

The Committee focused on county roads that are owned and maintained by Jefferson County. The Committee also looked at how the roads could provide access to public lands and considered traffic, safety, and road conditions.

Rather than looking at each of the 16 roads separately, the Committee looked at how roads connect to each other and to larger areas. Based on this approach, the Committee reviewed three areas: the Rancho Area (southwest of Madras), Three Rivers Area, and SE Grassland Area.

Each area has different road conditions, traffic, safety concerns, and opportunities to provide access to public lands.

What is a Class IV ATV? (https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/atv/pages/atv-classifications.aspx)

Under ORS 801.194, a Class IV ATV is a motorized vehicle designed for off-road use that has four or more tires, can travel off-road, has seats that are not designed to be straddled, and has a steering wheel. These vehicles are commonly called side-by-sides, ROVs, or UTVs. Oregon law also sets limits on their size and weight.

This is different from a traditional quad or four-wheeler. A quad with a saddle-style seat that the rider straddles is generally a Class I ATV under ORS 801.190, not a Class IV ATV. The route review discussed by the Committee is focused on vehicles that meet Oregon's legal definition of a Class IV ATV, such as side-by-sides and UTVs.

For more information:
https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/countycommissioners/page/ordinance-matter-authorizing-and-regulation-operation-all-terrain-vehicles

08/27/2026

Jefferson County Commissioners - August 26, 2026

• The Board received the Finance Department’s annual report for the previous fiscal year (July 2025 through June 2026) along with the monthly investment report for July 2026.

• Commissioners also held the semi‑annual “Move Oregon Border” discussion as required by the voter‑approved ordinance from November 2020, which directs the Board to meet and review how Jefferson County can best represent its interests in any negotiations related to the proposed relocation of the Oregon–Idaho state border.

• In addition, the Board awarded a $998,668 contract to JAL Construction, Inc. for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

• Recessed until 5:30 p.m. to conduct interviews with the 15 applicants for the MACRD Board and consider possible appointments.

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]

08/24/2026

💰We have partnered with Jefferson County Oregon - in their search for a Senior Accountant/Chief Deputy Tax Collector! Joining a small, experienced Finance and Tax team, the successful candidate will contribute to Countywide budgeting and financial strategy, help modernize and streamline processes, collaborate across departments, and bring new ideas to a team that values professional development and succession planning.
🔗To view the full position profile and learn where to apply, please visit: https://prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3394

08/20/2026

Jefferson County is hiring! If you’re looking to grow your career, make an impact, and join a team dedicated to serving our community, we have several exciting opportunities available:

🔹 Senior Accountant / Chief Deputy Tax Collector
💰 $75,323.66 – $96,275.04
Lead professional accounting functions, oversee fiscal operations, and support Governmental and Proprietary fund management.

🔹 Corrections Nurse (RN)
💰 $86,327.46 – $110,339.58
Provide first-line medical assessment and care for Adults in Custody within a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary corrections environment.

🔹 Permit Technician II or III
💰 Tech II: $47,403.40 – $60,588.73
💰 Tech III: $51,345.49 – $65,627.31
Assist the public with building and development permits, fee calculations, inspections, and application coordination.

🔹 Executive Services Coordinator
💰 $67,159.92 – $85,840.55
Support County leadership, maintain official Board records, coordinate public meetings, and manage administrative systems.

If you’re ready to make a difference in Jefferson County, we encourage you to apply!
📌 Visit our Careers Page to learn more and submit your application.

Situated within the Bend Metropolitan Statistical Area, Jefferson County serves as the northern gateway to Central Oregon. The County offers a rural lifestyle, strong community connections, and exceptional access to the region's renowned outdoor recreation, healthcare services, educational instituti...

08/14/2026

🔥 Oregon businesses: Tell us how wildfires and smoke have impacted you.

Has your business experienced physical damage or economic losses because of wildfires or wildfire smoke? We want to hear from you.

Completing the Oregon Business Self-Reporting Damage Survey helps the state better understand impacts to businesses and communities and informs recovery efforts.

Your report can help identify the scope of wildfire- and smoke-related impacts across Oregon — even if your business did not experience direct physical damage.

⚠️ This survey is not an application for or guarantee of financial assistance.

Complete the survey:

English:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2

Español:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2?locale=es

Please share this information with Oregon businesses that may have been impacted by this wildfire season.

08/14/2026

Oregon continues to feel the impacts of drought, and help is available. Public bodies, Tribes, nonprofits, small businesses, and homeowners may qualify for state and federal programs that support drought mitigation, water system improvements, economic recovery, and wildfire‑related well damage.

From USDA Water Assistance Grants and WaterSMART programs to state well repair funding and SBA drought disaster loans, a wide range of financial and technical resources can help communities stay resilient.

Learn more and read the full release here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OWRD/Posts/Post/drought-relief-available-communities-tribes-small-businesses

08/13/2026

📣 Volunteer Opportunity: Jefferson County Economic Development Program

Are you passionate about the future of Jefferson County? We’re looking for community-minded volunteers to help support the Jefferson County Economic Development Program!

This is an opportunity to share your ideas, provide community perspective, collaborate with local leaders and businesses, and help strengthen our local economy. 🌲🏔️

📅 The first review of applicants will be September 14, 2026. If you’re interested, don’t wait!

📧 Questions or letters of interest contact [email protected]

🔗 Learn more: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/administration/page/economic-development

Your voice. Our future. Stronger together.

08/12/2026

📢 MACRD Board of Directors – Applications & Applicants

Jefferson County is posting MACRD Board of Directors applicants to our website as applications are received. This real-time listing is part of our commitment to transparency and allows our community to follow the appointment process openly.

👀 View current applicants or submit your own application:
https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/bc/page/macrd-board-directors-appointment-application

⏰ Reminder: The application deadline is approaching! Please submit all required materials before the posted closing date.

Thank you to everyone interested in serving our community and helping support open, transparent local government.

08/07/2026

🚧 Road Construction Notice – NE Madras Area 🚧

Jefferson County Public Works will be applying chip seal to selected county roads in the NE Madras area from mid-August through the end of September.

🚗 What to expect:
• Temporary traffic delays
• Flaggers directing traffic
• Fresh oil on the roadway during the application process
• Loose gravel for several days following treatment

For your safety—and to help protect your vehicle—please:
✔️ Slow down and obey posted speed limits
✔️ Follow directions from flaggers and work crews
✔️ Use extra caution while driving through construction zones

A map of the roads scheduled for chip seal is attached to this post. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we complete this important road maintenance project to help preserve and extend the life of our county roads.