Divided residents pack Deschutes County Commission meeting, sound off on disbanding of DEIA committee

(Update: Adding video, comments from residents and Commissioner Chang)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Emotions ran high at Wednesday's Deschutes County commissioner meeting as a large crowd of residents packed the room, sharing either their support or frustration over the board's recent decision to dissolve the county's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee.

Critics of DEI efforts at the local and national level supported the action, saying hiring or other decisions should be based solely on someone's skills and knowledge, not race or other factors.

"Nobody should be in a position of higher authority because of their race or their sexual orientation," said one resident voicing support of the commissioners' decision.

Another added, "If you don't follow the rule of law, which is your job as county commissioners, we're going to be faced with some horrendous cutbacks. "

"You should follow the orders of the United States president to disband such a thing," said 23-year Army veteran David Ward, calling DEI "nothing but trouble." He said people should advance in their profession or other areas "because of their merit."

But an opponent of the move, Diane Murray, said: "This is a perfect example of white leaders using their power and privilege to advance their own agenda."

Commissioner Tony DeBone asked the audience to "please be respectful" and called the gathering "a wonderful opportunity to learn. I am here to listen."

Last month in a 2 to 1 vote County Commissioners Patti Adair and Tony DeBone ended the staff work group that focused on promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, created in 2023. The February 5th meeting was not open to public comment or staff input on the move. Both commissioners were the subject of much scrutiny at Wednesday's meeting

"Mrs Adair, you're a woman. Do you think you are a DEI counselor? Do you think you're in that seat because you're a woman?" questioned one resident, "You either believe in providing opportunity for all individuals and community, or you're so insecure about your integrity that you use your position to block opportunities you feel threatened by."

 Commissioner DeBone defended their decision last month, saying county policies were already “inclusive for all residents” and don’t allow discrimination.

Commissioner Adair pointed to President Trump's executive order ending DEI programs nationwide at February's meeting, expressing concern that federal funding would be reduced for the county if the committee remained in place.

But Commissioner Phil Chang, who voted against the committee's removal, acknowledged a recent lawsuit that was settled by the county from a former female employee, who alleged gender discrimination and wage differences.

"If we did the work, that this committee was, focused on, maybe we could prevent having these kinds of conflicts and claims within our organization which would save us money," he said.

 The county receives about $6 million directly from the federal government and $5.8 million from passthrough funding, but that's only just over 1% of the total budget.

Landfill discussion returns after site purchase talks hit an impasse

Another familiar topic returned to county commissioners Wednesday after negotiations with Hooker Creek to buy the Moon Pit aggregate mine east of Bend for the county's next landfill hit an impasse. The county has a few years to find a location to dump or haul trash before Knott Landfill in southeast Bend reaches capacity.

After discussing the various options, DeBone said, "I do support stepping back" and returning to the decision matrix by reconvening the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

While commissioners want to find another site in the county, there is another option under discussion, perhaps partnering with a private developer of a site in Klamath County.

Adair said, "It could be a public-private partnership." But she also said it's likely that Highway 97 heading south would need some improvements from its "terrible condition." She suggested that colleague Chang -- a recent addition to the state Transportation Commission - might be able to help make that happen.

Chang said the other finalist site, farther east, known as Roth East, is still a possibility, but with some nearby threatened sage grouse and other issues, "I don't think we need to do a lot more work on that one."

County Director of Solid Waste Tim Brownell said he will return to the board with an update in the next few weeks.