Redmond managed camp project faces funding setback as costs rise over estimate
Tracee Tuesday
REDMOND, Ore. {KTVZ} — A plan to open a managed camp in Redmond by winter faced uncertainty after the Redmond City Council deadlocked in a split vote on October 14. The camp, a joint effort between Deschutes County and the City of Redmond, has seen its construction costs rise significantly over the original estimate.
In August 2025, the city and county entered into an intergovernmental agreement to establish the East Redmond Managed Camp at 1002 NE 17th Street. The project will cover about six acres, providing 72 campsites with temporary shelter, basic services, and case management for people experiencing homelessness.
Under the agreement, Deschutes County would pay $281,000, and the City of Redmond would contribute $250,000. However, the construction bid came in roughly $145,000 higher than anticipated, something that is extremely common in the industry.
The new projections and data raised the total project cost to $676,118.75. This bid was the lowest of six bids that the County received.
If approved, the amendment to the agreement would require the City and County to split the added cost, bringing Redmond’s share to about $322,559 and the County’s to about $353,559.
Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone told KTVZ that the county remains committed to the partnership, despite the unexpected increase.
“I think it’s just a partnership with the City of Redmond. We’re willing to contribute the extra money, but now it’s up to the city to decide if they’ll do the same.”
During the October 14 council meeting, members voted 3–3 on approving the additional funds. Mayor Ed Fitch was absent, recovering from heart surgery, leaving the council without a tie-breaking vote.
Councilor Cat Zwicker said councilors wanted more clarity about the reason for the cost increase before proceeding.
“I think several councilors just wanted to know why we had that increase and what specifically those costs were related to. Having that information would make the decision easier for some.”
Zwicker also emphasized that while the camp will be located within city limits, it is not exclusively owned by the City of Redmond.
“This is a joint venture between Redmond and Deschutes County. The county will manage operations for the next couple of years as outlined in the agreement.”
DeBone, who initially opposed the creation of the camp, now says it offers an important opportunity to provide stable shelter for individuals seeking a path out of homelessness.
“It’ll be a good opportunity for people who need a place to stay — more stable, more secure. There’s still a lot of work to do, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
The county commissioners delayed their own vote during their October 15 meeting to gather more information on the cost increase.
The Redmond City Council is expected to revisit the funding question in its next meeting on October 28th, Tuesday night.