Commissioners Agree And Disagree

Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday approved a package of tourism room tax (TRT) agreements, continued their stalemated discussion over filling the vacant Position 2 commission seat, and discussed potential changes to the board agenda.

TRT contracts for chambers and museums approved

After being pulled from the consent calendar at a previous meeting, a set of tourism-related contracts came back for full board discussion.

Commissioners reviewed agreements with seven entities: North Lincoln County Historical Museum, Lincoln County Historical Society, Toledo Chamber, Yachats Chamber, Waldport Chamber, Toledo History Center, and the Yaquina Pacific Railroad association.

Commissioners noted the recent shift in TRT allocation from a 70/30 split to 50/50, and said staff will likely wait until January, after a full intake and reporting cycle under the new percentages, before considering any further increases.

Commissioner Chuck reminded that some TRT funds are committed to paying off the loan for the county commons, and the board will need to see what remains before making changes to allocations.

Chuck emphasized the need to stay fiscally cautious until the county has full data under the new split, including what continues to be dedicated to the county commons.

Vacant Position 2 remains unresolved

The board then returned to the ongoing issue of filling the vacant Position 2 commission seat.

Chuck revisited the broader question of selection criteria, referencing Washington County’s appointment process and asking Miller to explain how he has evaluated candidates’ suitability to fill the seat for the three remaining months of the term.

Miller described having a “subjective matrix,” looking both inward at board dynamics and outward at community service needs. He said interviews provided valuable information and emphasized that several applicants, including “Don” and “Baker” (referring to finalists Cristen Don and Marci Baker), could probably do good work.

He cautioned that performance remains uncertain until someone is actually in the role and said the county had identified “good potential candidates.”

Chuck stressed that his own top criteria include public service background and budget experience, a priority he said is shared by commissioners statewide.

Miller agreed that budget skills are “of course, big time” but said he also valued candidates without direct county government experience, including those from project management and finance backgrounds in other sectors.

Chuck noted that with it being “basically the fifth of August,” anyone appointed now would serve only a very short time and, if not already on the ballot, would effectively function as a placeholder.

He argued that if the board is going to give someone a trial term, voters should be allowed to see how a ballot-listed candidate performs. Chuck said he believes finalist and current candidate Cristen Don should be given that opportunity before the election, since past practice has given appointees time to serve ahead of voters’ decision.

Chuck moved to appoint Don but did not receive a second. Instead, Miller turned the discussion to process, asking whether the item should remain a regular agenda topic and what, if anything, he could do to change Chuck’s thinking.

Miller asked directly what “creative insights” or types of individuals might persuade Chuck to consider someone else, and how he could “help the process.”

Chuck said he appreciated the question but suggested the board should continue trying to resolve the issue internally and keep the vacancy item on the agenda for another two weeks. No appointment was made.

Agenda process discussion

Under agenda topics, Miller floated an idea he said he drew from Lane County’s website: using a forward-looking spreadsheet or portal showing projected future agenda items. He suggested this could allow commissioners to forecast both specific and aspirational items over the coming month or two, helping staff and colleagues see where he is headed and reducing the sense that proposals appear “out of the blue.”

Chuck responded that, in his view, the county’s current system works well. He said he relies on the consent calendar, recurring items, and staff recommendations to frame agendas, adding that some issues, such as the jail security matter, could not have been forecast far in advance.

He praised staff for doing “a good job” bringing forward what needs to be addressed. Chuck said he was open to further conversation but did not endorse changing the formal process, and Miller did not push the issue further.

Commissioner Chuck report

Chuck summarized recent regional work on transportation and solid waste, as part of his commissioner report.

He reported attending a “Lift Off Eugene” event outlining a planned expansion of the Eugene Airport. Chuck said he prefers using Eugene for flights when possible because of the shorter drive from the coast, smaller terminal, and lower parking costs.

The expansion concept, he said, includes creating three terminals and additional improvements to allow more aircraft to overnight at the airport, with the goal of doubling usage in the next five to seven years if permits and funding can be secured. There is discussion of adding an on-site hotel as well.

Chuck said a larger, more capable Eugene Airport is important to coastal communities and federal partners such as NOAA. The command at the local NOAA facility, he said, sees strong air service as a key asset, and keeping NOAA in the region remains a priority. Chuck said he had connected local entities with the Eugene effort, including economic development groups.

Chuck also reported on the Willamette Valley solid waste task force, to address the coming closure of the Coffin Butte landfill. The task force faces the challenge of finding long-term disposal options for seven counties.

For Lincoln County, he noted, the concern is heightened because the county is not currently a Republic Services customer, and local haulers’ contracts expire in 2029. Lincoln and Tillamook counties, he said, are of particular concern as they work to secure future disposal sites and manage transportation issues.

He told Miller the task force must submit a legislative concept by December 15, and he plans to remain closely engaged to make sure Lincoln County’s needs are met. Chuck said local haulers have done “a great job” being prepared to respond as needed, but not all counties are as well positioned.