Confusion and Uncertainty Follow Alfalfa Fire District Board Meeting

If passed, the levy would be an increase of $1.75 per $1,000 of assessed value. For example, if your property is assessed at $300,000 - the property owner would be taxed more than $500.

At Wednesday's meeting, members of the public were very honest; telling board members they are on limited budgets and fixed incomes - and they can't afford to approve the levy.

"...which at that time you asked for $1.75 per thousand for the building to be put up and everything. Okay, that made my taxes go up $800. Now you're asking again for another $1.75. That makes my taxes go up $2,000. I live on Social Security. No one takes care of me. I take care of myself. This is absolutely unrealistic," Joanne McBride, Alfalfa resident.

Alfalfa Fire District Policy Concerns

McBride's comments were made during the public comment portion of the meeting, which was after Nate Starr, the board's president, read the district's recently implemented policy restricting the public's access to district facilities following public meetings.

Due to this new policy, on April 27, 2026 - Justin Alderman, a reporter with the Prineville Review, was sent a formal notice of trespass from Alfalfa Fire District's Attorney, Jered Reid.

Alderman was sent the notice after attending a board meeting and trying to conduct interviews for a story he is investigating for his publication.

Due to concerns about what this policy would mean for other media outlets, KTVZ News reached out to Reid multiple times VIA email concerning Alderman's notice. Reid did not respond to our questions.

Because of the district's actions, Alderman filed a federal lawsuit against the Alfalfa Fire District, claiming the board violated both the First and Fourteenth Amendment(s) - by excluding him from being able to attend public meetings.

United States District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai reviewed Alderman's complaint and issued a temporary restraining order effective May 13, 2026.

Judge Kasubhai's order was presented to the board at the meeting by Alderman.

EDITOR'S NOTE: During Wednesday’s meeting, KTVZ News Director Gregory Deffenbaugh addressed the board VIA Zoom and asked whether members wished to comment on the judge’s order. Board members declined to comment. Deffenbaugh participated in the meeting because of concerns that KTVZ staff members could be affected by the policy approved by the board.

Pertaining to the order, Starr called Judge Kasubhai "fake" as Alderman was pressing the board for answers concerning how they were conducting business. The comment can be viewed in the video posted above this article.

A hearing on a preliminary injunction will be held on May 26, 2026.

EDITOR'S NOTE: KTVZ News will continue to follow developments in Alderman’s case.

Request for Comment from Chief Chad LaVallee

As the public comment period continued, KTVZ's Spencer Sacks asked if Chief Chad LaVallee, who was not present for the meeting - but joined VIA Zoom, if he wanted to comment on the proposed tax levy, he instructed Sacks to reach out when he returned to town.

Sacks reached out to LaVallee Thursday afternoon by phone, where he was requesting comment concerning what unfolded at Wednesday's meeting - he hung up the phone.

Alfalfa Fire District Board Members Resign

Towards the end of Wednesday's meeting, board members Nate Starr and Dustin Piggot publicly announced their resignations.

Because only two of the five board members remain, the Deschutes Board of County Commissioners will likely be required to intervene and either appoint new board members or dissolve the district.

This is a developing story. Stay with the platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.