Jefferson County Oregon

Healthy pets can help keep families together.

This July, HSCO’s Veterinary Outreach team is bringing affordable care to pet families throughout Central Oregon, with clinics in Bend, Warm Springs, La Pine, Madras, and Prineville.

Services include low-cost wellness exams, vaccines, microchips, and spay/neuter surgeries. Our July 18 wellness and vaccine clinic is free for Warm Springs residents.

Appointments are required and space is limited, especially for spay and neuter clinics. Services are offered on a sliding scale, and no one is turned away because they cannot afford care.

Call 541.208.2497 or email [email protected] to ask about services, pricing, and available appointments.

Know someone whose pet could benefit? Please share this post and help affordable veterinary care reach more families across our community.

Core vaccinations made possible by Petco Love 💜

Jefferson County Public Works is auctioning a wide variety of miscellaneous items, heavy equipment, dump bodies and two Kenworth trucks on Public Surplus. The auction closes July 8 — don’t miss your chance to bid!
Browse the listings here: https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/browse/search?tm=m

The 2026-2027 Jefferson County Budget has been officially adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

Every year, our Finance team works with department directors to prepare the budget which provides a plan for how core services are provided to the community. This year’s budget emphasizes public safety, long-term stability, and enhanced transparency. The County continues to be committed to delivering reliable, essential services, and we look forward to supporting the community in the new fiscal year.

Check out additional budget details on the Finance webpage: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/bft/page/budget

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

Jefferson County Commissioners – June 24, 2026
• Received an update from OSU Extension on services provided to Jefferson County residents.
• Received an update on Code Enforcement efforts and Community Development Department priorities.
• Reviewed monthly financial and investment reports. County investments continue to perform strongly while remaining in compliance with adopted investment policies. In May 2026, investment earnings allocated to various County funds and other taxing districts totaled $282,226.
• Heard transportation updates from COIC regarding Cascades East Transit and Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) programs.
• Approved June 2026 vouchers totaling $373,507.28.
• Conducted a public hearing on ordinances related to accelerated redemption periods for tax foreclosed property and will hold a second public hearing on the accelerated redemption ordinance on July 8, 2026.
• Conducted the second public hearing on an ordinance regarding public contracting regulations. Commissioners delayed action on the public contracting ordinance and will consider taking final action on July 1, 2026.
• Heard a report from Sheriff Jason Po***ck requesting placement of a 5-year renewal of the jail operations levy on the November 2026 ballot. The proposed levy would continue at its current rate of $1.69 per $1,000 of assessed value, with no increase in the tax rate. Commissioners reviewed a 5-year financial model showing the levy would sustain jail operations but reduce reserves from $2.2 million to approximately $800,000 over the period. Commissioners agreed to begin the public input process, with public hearings scheduled for July 8 and July 29.
• Held the annual budget hearing and approved the FY 2026–27 Jefferson County Budget. The $84.9 million budget maintains core law enforcement services, adds one Sheriff’s Patrol Deputy, and retains jail operations. The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Detective position is preserved.
• Approved the annual salary order for county employees and elected officials. Jefferson County continues its practice of wage transparency through its budget adoption documents.
• Reviewed and approved changes to various County fees.
• Reviewed and approved updates to the County Investment Policy and extended the contract with Government Portfolio Advisors (GPA), who provide independent investment advisory services supporting liquidity, compliance, and investment performance.
• Approved an agreement with B Bar D Rodeo, Inc. for the 2026 Jefferson County Rodeo, as recommended by the Jefferson County Fair Board.
• Adopted a resolution commemorating the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the United States.
• Approved an agreement with Helion Software to provide Property Recording Alert Services for subscribers. This service will notify a subscriber when a document is recorded with the subscriber’s name. Jefferson County Clerk Kate Zemke will provide more information for property owners to subscribe as the system is implemented.
• Commissioners and Sheriff Po***ck will attend an evening public meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Three Rivers Event Center, 5055 SW Lakeview Drive, Culver, Oregon, to provide updates and receive public comment.

• 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]

Madras residents: Recent outages have impacted your community — and we know you have questions. Join us to hear what’s being done now to improve reliability and safety during wildfire season.

Hear from Pacific Power leaders and the local operations team, ask questions during a Q&A, and speak directly with our customer service team.

Join us:
Thursday, June 25, 2026
6–7:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Public Health Conference Room
500 NE A Street, Suite 102, Madras, OR

"Can I run a business from my home?"

Jefferson County supports a wide variety of home-based businesses in unincorporated areas of the County (outside city limits). In fact, many home occupations do not require a permit at all if they are small in scale and operate entirely within the home. For businesses that don't qualify for the "limited home occupation" standards, a Home Occupation Permit may be available through the County's Administrative Review process.

The attached infographic provides a simple overview of what is allowed without a permit, when a permit may be required, and the standards that apply to home-based businesses.

Questions? Contact Jefferson County Community Development at (541) 475-4462.

Jefferson County is Hiring!

👮 Corrections Deputy
Basic: $31.13–$39.54 Intermediate: $39.74–$42.50 Advanced: $41.33–$44.20 Help maintain safety and security for inmates, staff, and the public. This role provides supervision in the jail, work center, work release, work crew, and courthouse security.

🚧 Traffic Control & Sign Technician
Wage Range: $22.07–$28.21 Draft traffic control plans, set up safe work zones, and install/repair roadway signs and traffic control devices. Serves as lead flagger and supports road, bridge, and culvert maintenance.

🩺 Corrections Nurse (RN)
Salary Range: $86,327.46–$110,339.58 Provide first-line medical assessment and care for Adults in Custody. Work independently within a supportive public health team.

📊 Senior Accountant / Chief Deputy Tax Collector
Salary Range: $75,323.66–$96,275.04 Lead accounting functions including payroll, AR, fixed assets, journal entries, reconciliations, and fiscal operations for the Finance/Tax Department.

🌿 Traditional Health Worker I, II, or III
THW I: $45,978.08–$58,766.95 THW II: $47,840.19–$61,147.01 THW III: $51,868.41–$66,295.68
Support community outreach, prevention programs, clinic services, and culturally responsive care. THW III provides advanced leadership in systems navigation and program development.

📍 Apply today and help make a difference in Jefferson County!

Job Opportunities | Jefferson County Jobs Thank you for your interest in employment with Jefferson County. Apply now to join an outstanding team of employees serving the citizens of Jefferson County. Scroll down to view an alphabetical listing of positions for which Jefferson County is currently accepting online applications.

Bringing more resources to Jefferson County while making every local dollar go further 💲

📣 We Are Hiring!

The Jefferson County Finance Department is looking for a Senior Accountant to help support essential financial operations, budget preparation, property tax collection, payroll accounting, and more. 💼📊

This position works closely with the Finance Director and plays a key role in ensuring accurate financial reporting across all County Departments. 🏛️

🔍 What We’re Looking For
📘 Strong accounting background (governmental fund accounting preferred)

🎓 Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (or equivalent experience)

🗂️ Excellent communication and organizational skills

⏱️ Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

🌟 Why Apply?
Jefferson County Finance offers the chance to be part of a supportive team doing meaningful work that serves our community. As a small department, there’s room to grow and gain a full spectrum of government finance experience. 🤝🌱

📨 Apply Now!
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/jeffersonor

Know someone who might be a great fit? Please share!

Job Opportunities | Jefferson County Jobs Thank you for your interest in employment with Jefferson County. Apply now to join an outstanding team of employees serving the citizens of Jefferson County. Scroll down to view an alphabetical listing of positions for which Jefferson County is currently accepting online applications.