Redmond City Council meeting to discuss new homeless encampment and wetlands projects

(Update: Added full story and quote from Councilor Cat Zwicker)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond City Council met on Tuesday night. 

The meeting had a spirited and lively discussion surrounding the future of the homeless camp in East Redmond.

Before now, there was an agreement between the City of Redmond and Deschutes County on a 50/50 split.

Now though, the City and County got an updated number which shows each has an increase of more than a hundred thousand dollars

This created a disagreement between Council Members on what they should do.

Some like Councilor Jay Patrick felt they should wait to meet with the County to make a decision.

Ultimately the council voted four to two to table the conversation until its next joint meeting with the County.

Councilor Cat Zwicker was frustrated by the Council's decision.

Councilor Zwicker told KTVZ News “We're moving into winter. Winter is when we need to have our availability for people that are unhoused, to be someplace safe and secure, to have access to services, whether it's electricity for heat or water, just human dignity, living out on the bush and living in the streets doesn't provide that. I’m disappointed, obviously, because we've worked on this for over 18 months with the county as a partnership"

This will impact several homeless residents as by Oregon law a city must have a suitable replacement before they remove someone.

We will continue to update you as the story develops.