Jefferson County Oregon

10/15/2026

🎉Today’s County Spotlight: Jefferson County Oregon!

Jefferson County was established in 1914 from territory originally part of Crook County. About a quarter of the county is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and another 21% forms part of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. With over 60,000 acres of irrigated farmland, the county produces vegetable, grass, and flower seeds, as well as garlic, mint, potatoes, wheat, and sugar beets.

Jefferson County has over 300 days of annual sunshine, making it ideal for fishing, hunting, camping, and boating. Popular destinations and landmarks include Mount Jefferson, the Metolius River, Suttle Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, and the Cove Palisades State Park.

that Kentucky bluegrass seed grown in Jefferson County supplied the turf for the FIFA World Cup?

What’s your favorite spot in Jefferson County?



Photo by: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives

10/15/2026

🗳️ TRACK YOUR BALLOT, JEFFERSON COUNTY! 📬

Did you know you can sign up to receive updates about your ballot? 📨 Oregon voters can visit OregonVotes.gov/Track to stay informed every step of the way!

✅ Get notified when your ballot is mailed to you
📬 Know when your ballot is received by your county elections office
✔️ Find out when your ballot is accepted for counting

📱 Choose updates by email, text message, or phone call!

It’s quick, easy, and secure—and gives you peace of mind knowing the status of your vote. 🇺🇸

👉 Track your ballot today: https://OregonVotes.gov/Track

10/14/2026

Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 14, 2026

• Commissioners received updates during the monthly County Elected Officials and Department Director meeting held as part of the 8:15 a.m. Administrative Session. Updates covered ongoing department work, operational priorities, and current service needs across the county.
• Fairgrounds Sponsorship: The Board approved a 10 year, $5,000 sponsorship agreement for the Corwin Arena at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds with Madras Paint & Glass.
• Received an update from the District Attorney’s Office on the proposed restructuring of the Victim Assistance Program, including revisions to the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate job description to better support victims and enhance program capacity.
• Property Values Appeal Board Appointments: The Board appointed members to serve on the County Property Values Appeal Board (PVAB), as required under ORS 309.067. Lamar Yoder was appointed to the Chairperson’s pool and will serve as Chair following required state training. Colleen Sullivan Fletcher and Julia Randal were appointed to the pool of non office holding residents.
• Held a continued land use hearing regarding property located in Crooked River Ranch. The Commissioners will hold deliberations on November 25, 2026.
• Discussed the City of Madras request for accelerated tax foreclosure proceedings on the property at 463 SW Madison Street. The Commissioners decided to hold a public hearing on November 25, 2026.
• Recessed until 6:00 p.m. for an evening Board meeting in Camp Sherman, where topics included Sheriff’s Office updates, the Jail Operations Local Option Levy, and Public Works road projects.

• 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]

10/09/2026

🎉 We’re Hiring! Multiple Career Opportunities Available 🎉
Jefferson County is excited to announce several open positions across multiple departments. If you’re looking for meaningful work, stable employment, and the chance to serve your community — we’d love to hear from you!
👇 Current Openings:

Corrections Nurse 🩺
Salary: $86,327.46 – $110,339.58
Work directly with Adults in Custody, providing first‑line medical assessment and care within our correctional facility. A great fit for experienced RNs who excel in independent decision‑making and team collaboration.

Executive Services Coordinator 🗂️
Salary: $67,159.92 – $85,840.55
A key administrative role supporting county leadership, public meetings, records management, and interdepartmental communication.

Chief Deputy District Attorney ⚖️
Salary: $129,899.39 – $166,031.09
Lead complex felony prosecutions, support department administration, train new DDAs, and act with full authority in the DA’s absence.

Senior Accountant / Chief Deputy Tax Collector 💼
Salary: $75,323.66 – $96,275.04
Oversee a full range of accounting functions, financial analysis, payroll, reconciliations, and fiscal operations within the Finance/Tax Department.

Road Tech Trainee I or II 🚧
• Trainee: $54,004.12 – $58,912.56
• Road Tech I: $56,185.89 – $69,025.45
• Road Tech II: $59,404.53 – $75,928.00
Great hands‑on roles supporting the construction, maintenance, and repair of county roads, operating equipment, and building valuable public works experience.

Join our team and build a career that makes a difference in our community!

For full job descriptions and to apply, visit our county employment page.

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...

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

Board of Commissioners Meeting October 7, 2026
• The Board began the day at Madras City Hall for a joint meeting with the Madras City Council. Discussion included beginning work on a joint capital funding request and joint legislative priorities for the 2027 Oregon Legislative Session, along with an update on the 2025 Retail Revitalization Grant awarded to Gold Beach Lumber.
• The Board acknowledged Laura Moore, Cecilia Ledford and Duane Ledford for receiving a Certificate of Recognition from the VA Portland Office as “Champions at Promoting Lethal Means Safety.” The award recognizes individuals who help create safer environments for Veterans and their families through education, partnership and practical approaches to reduce access to lethal means during times of crisis.
• Fairgrounds Sponsorships: The Board approved three 10-year sponsorship agreements for the Corwin Arena at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds with Edward Jones, Madras Sanitary Service and N&S Tractor. Each agreement provides $15,000 in sponsorship funding.
• Victim Assistance Grant: The Board approved the 2025–2027 VOCA and CFA Non-Competitive Grant Award in the amount of $240,292. The funding supports victim assistance services through the District Attorney's Office.
• Veteran Services: The Board approved the County's application for $94,307 in Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs funding for Fiscal Year 2027.
• 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]

09/29/2026

⚠ CROOKED RIVER BRIDGE ⚠
🌉 Road repair work will be occurring on Monday October 5th and Tuesday October 6th across the Crooked River Bridge at Lake Billy Chinook. There will be flaggers in place and should be minimal delays.

Thank you for your patience!
Public Works

09/29/2026

⚠ CULVER ROAD CONSTRUCTION ⚠

JAL Construction will be performing overlay road construction on portions of SW Green Dr, SW Highland Ln and SW Colfax Ln beginning October 16, 2026, through October 30, 2026. Please refer to the map provided and indicated by the purple highlight, expect delays in these work zones.

Thank you for your patience!
Public Works