PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County is one of the last in Oregon managed by a County Court system, but County Judge Seth Crawford says that could soon change. "To me, it’s about what Crook County government looks like in the future." The proposal would transition the county from a full-time Judge and two part-time Commissioners to a board with three Commissioners, similar to surrounding counties. But Crawford says there are a lot of variables, "You could have three part time, one full time; three full time. My biggest thing is, I think you need at least one full time Commissioner ensuring that people’s voices [are] heard and they are there to protect the cultures and customs of Crook County."

Crawford tells KBND News other changes are already underway, "With the growth of the county and expansion, and so many more people living here, we’ve brought on an administrator position. It’s actually a contract right now, trying to decide what that’s going to look like long term."

Three interactive public meetings are scheduled for later this month to discuss the proposed transition and provide the community with an outline of the changes, "We’ll listen to the public and then, once we’ve had those listening sessions, the next step would be to make a decision." A public hearing and potential action is scheduled for October fourth. 

Crawford says the decision needs to be made quickly, "The time for running for the next year is coming and the county thinks it’s important that we come up with a plan before that point."

Interactive public meetings are:

• September 19, 6-7:30 p.m. in Powell Butte.
  • Powell Butte Community Center, 8404 SW Reif Rd.
  • Click HERE for virtual access.
• September 26, 10-11:30 a.m. at Meadow Lakes
• September 26, 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Charles Medical Ctr. Prineville