Deschutes County’s ‘I Voted’ sticker student contest for 2026 election will mark America’s 250th birthday

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Next year, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

To commemorate this milestone, the Deschutes County Elections Office is hosting an “I Voted” sticker contest for the 2026 elections.

:Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to design a sticker that celebrates our right to vote,” the county said in Tuesday’s announcement.

Winning designs will be printed on stickers for 2026 voters and be featured on the Deschutes County Voter Pamphlet cover.

Contest winners will be divided into two categories:

Elementary school (K-5): Winner’s sticker will be featured for the 2026 Primary Election in May.

Middle-high school (6-12): Winner’s sticker will be featured for the General Election in November.

Sticker design submissions will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2026. Winners will be announced in February.

Here are the contest rules:

Design must fit within the circular template. It will be resized to fit a two-inch diameter “I Voted” sticker.

Design must be hand rendered. No digital, AI generated, or altered images will be accepted.

Design should be nonpartisan and not reference any political party.

Design should include the colors red, white and blue.

Design must be original. No clip art, reused imagery, or copyrighted images should be used.

The contest entry form and submission instructions can be found on the Deschutes County Clerk’s website.

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McKenzie Pass fully closes for the season on Thursday – and ODOT says there’s a change this year

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — With winter approaching, the Oregon Department of Transportation says its crews will close the east side of McKenzie Pass, Oregon Highway 242, on Thursday, marking the start of the full seasonal closure.

The west side of the pass closed three weeks ago, on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

New this year: The east-side gate has been moved a mile closer to Sisters, to provide a safer turnaround area for drivers.

Here’s the rest of Tuesday’s ODOT announcement:

McKenzie Pass is a scenic, secondary highway that closes each year as winter weather approaches. Due to weather, cost, and logistics, ODOT does not maintain the route through the winter, focusing instead on keeping main highways plowed, open, and safe. During the closure, vehicles are prohibited beyond the gates.  

The annual seasonal closure is a highway closure, not a closure of public lands. Non-vehicle recreational users, such as skiers, snowshoers, and pedestrians going beyond the closed gates do so at their own risk.

The U.S. Forest Service has published guidelines for recreating in a National Forest. Recreationalists choosing to visit the area should follow the USFS guidelines and consider the potential risks.

Because the road is not maintained in winter, conditions can be hazardous. There are no services or cell coverage, and weather can change rapidly. As snow melts in spring, recreational users may encounter fallen trees, rockslides and damaged pavement.

McKenzie Pass became a seasonal scenic highway in 1962 with the completion of the Clear Lake-Belknap Springs section of Oregon Highway 126.

Even during its time as the main route between the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon, the narrow, twisting roadway and high elevation (5,325 feet) made the highway too difficult to maintain and keep clear during the winter months.

To see what routes are open over the mountains and to view current road and weather conditions, visit TripCheck.com or call 511.

More information on McKenzie Pass, OR 242, can be found on ODOT’s website

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Community to gather for ‘A Novel Idea’ 2026 book reveal at Downtown Bend Library

Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Book lovers across Central Oregon are invited to celebrate the big reveal of the 2026 A Novel Idea community read selections next month. The after-hours event takes place Saturday, December 6, at the Downtown Bend Library, where the next titles—one for adults and teens, and one for young readers—will be unveiled.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the official reveal upstairs at 6:30 p.m. Guests can stick around for trivia, snacks, and a shared love of reading.

“We started with a list of about 30 titles, and narrowing it down to the top five was no easy task,” said Liz Goodrich, Programs Supervisor at Deschutes Public Library. “The chosen book really stood out to our group and it provides ample entry points for meaningful conversations between readers.”

Now in its 22nd year, A Novel Idea began in 2004 with one simple question: What would happen if everyone in Deschutes County read the same book? The answer—according to two decades of participation—is a stronger, more connected community.

The annual program includes both an adult and youth selection, with both authors visiting Central Oregon in the spring. Each year, the event is followed by a month of themed discussions and activities, culminating in free, in-person author visits.

“You might spot your neighbor or the person ahead of you at the post office with this year’s A Novel Idea book in their hand,” Goodrich added. “It’s all about engagement and the desire to connect with one another through a good story—and this year’s selection is a big one.”

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Oregon gas prices have fallen to their lowest level since last spring, pacing the nation, AAA reports

KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon’s average price for a gallon of regular gas is down to its cheapest price since April, while the national average remains close to the $3 mark, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday. However, Arizona and California are seeing pump prices rise, due to refinery issues.

For the week, the national average for regular gains one cent, to $3.05 a gallon. The Oregon average loses six cents, to $3.87 a gallon, while Bend’s average fell 5.6 cents, to $3.71 a gallon.

Oregon has the second-largest week-over-week decline and biggest month-over-month drop for a state in the nation, AAA says in this week’s Oregon gas price report, which continues in full below:

National State Local Gas Prices 11-4-25

“It’s another week of savings for Oregon drivers as pump prices here continue to decline. The Oregon average as it its cheapest price since April of this year,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

While drivers in Oregon and Washington are seeing pump prices decline, California, Arizona and Nevada are seeing week-over-week increases due to refinery issues. A fire and explosion at the HF Sinclair Navajo Refinery in Artesia, New Mexico on Friday injured three people. The facility has a crude oil capacity of 100,000 barrels per day and serves markets in the southwestern U.S. including New Mexico, Arizona, and West Texas. In California, some planned and unplanned refinery maintenance has led to increase in wholesale gas prices which are then passed on to consumers.

In addition, the upcoming closure of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles may impact prices in California and other West Coast states. Phillips 66 announced last year that it would be closing the 139,000-barrel-per-day facility by the end of 2025 due to weak refining margins, high crude oil acquisition costs, and increased competition from renewable diesel.

The refinery is nearly 100 years old and is expensive to maintain and operate. Phillips 66 says it plans to continue to supply fuel to Southern California from other sources.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.87. The highest price of the year so far is $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.05. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.036 on October 19 and 20.

This week five Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 12 a week ago:

Columbia $4.02

Multnomah $4.13

Wallowa $4.13

Wasco $4.07

Washington $4.11

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline demand increased from 8.45 million b/d to 8.92 million b/d for the week ending October 24. This compares to 9.16 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 216.7 million barrels to 210.7 million. Gasoline production is about the same as the previous week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.  

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country.

The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) rose above $60 on October 23 for the first time since October 10 and has remained above $60 since then. Crude oil prices rose after President Trump imposed additional sanctions on Russian oil. In addition, news from OPEC+ that it would have a limited production increase in December and delay further increases until early 2026 put some upward pressure on oil prices to start this week.

WTI has been mostly in the low-$60s to mid-$70s since September 2024. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies.

Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August 2024.

Crude oil is trading around $61 today compared to $60 a week ago and $71 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023.

While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, there were concerns that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region.

Crude oil prices declined after October’s fragile peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But this year, the cartel has boosted production starting by 411,000 barrels per day in May, June, and July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, 547,000 barrels per day in September, and 137,000 barrels per day in October, November and December.  

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 48% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 18% is refining, 18% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains at or near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country rose from 13.629 million barrels per day to 13.644 for the week ending October 24. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 30 states with lower prices now than a week ago. Iowa (-8 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Oregon (-6 cents) has the second-largest week-over-week decline. Ohio (+15 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the nation, due to refinery issues in the region.

California ($4.66) is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the seventh week in a row. Washington took over the top spot for a week in September when the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. This week, Hawaii ($4.48) is second, and Washington ($4.27) is third. These are the only states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 15 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 32 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.58) and Mississippi ($2.58) and. No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.08 this week, compared to $1.99 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 48 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is nine cents less and the Oregon average is 27 cents less than a month ago. This is the largest month-over-month decline for a state in the nation. Ohio (+2 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the nation.

Oregon is one of nine states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is five cents less, while the Oregon average is 26 cents more. Oregon has the largest year-over-year increase in the nation. Washington (+24 cents) has the second-largest increase. Colorado (-21 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

As mentioned above, California is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the seventh week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Alaska and Arizona round out the top seven. Oregon slips to fifth most expensive after 23 consecutive weeks at fourth.

Three of the seven West Coast states have week-over-week decreases. Oregon (-6 cents) has the largest week-over-week drop in the region. Washington (-6 cents) and Alaska (-1 cent) also have weekly declines. Nevada (+11 cents), California (+8 cents), Arizona (+3 cents), and Hawaii (+4/10ths of a cent) have week-over-week increases.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast fell from 76.3% to 74.7% for the week ending October 24. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate fell from 88.6% to 86.6%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region decreased from 29.51 million bbl. to 28.30 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices have rebounded from the five-month lows seen earlier this month. WTI crude fell below $60 per barrel on Oct. 10, then rose above $60 on Oct. 23. Major drivers of higher crude prices include new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil and news from OPEC+ that it would have a limited production increase in December and a pause on further increases in the first quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 6.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 416.0 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year. 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI added 41 cents to close at $60.98. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI ticked up 7 cents to settle at $61.05. Today crude is trading around $61 compared to $60 a week ago. Crude prices are about $10 less than a year ago. ($71.47 on November 4, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

National Gas Price Comparison 11-4-25

Diesel

For the week, the national average adds two cents to $3.69 a gallon. The record high is $5.816 set on June 19, 2022. The Oregon average slips two cents to $4.37. The record high is $6.47 set on July 3, 2022. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.55 and the Oregon average was $3.89.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

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Redmond Senior Center launches year-end fundraising campaign to support key programs

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Redmond Senior Center has launched its year-end fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000 by Dec, 31.

The funds will support the center’s vital programs and services that benefit seniors in the Redmond community, including Meals on Wheels, daily lunches, wellness programs, and various social and recreational activities, the organization said in a news release that continues below:

The Redmond Senior Center plays a crucial role in the lives of many seniors, providing a welcoming and supportive environment where they can connect with others, stay active, and access essential resources. The center’s programs are designed to combat social isolation, promote physical and mental well-being, and ensure that seniors have the support they need to age with dignity and independence.

“This year has been remarkable at the Redmond Senior Center, thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors,” said Randy Graves, Executive Director of the Redmond Senior Center. “Their compassion and belief in our mission have allowed us to deliver thousands of Meals on Wheels to homebound neighbors, fill our dining room with laughter during daily lunches, and host a vibrant Wellbeing Series that has kept bodies moving and spirits lifted. We are deeply grateful for their support.”

The funds raised through the year-end campaign will help the Redmond Senior Center continue to provide these essential services and expand its reach to serve even more seniors in need.

Specifically, the campaign aims to ensure that no senior eats alone, no caregiver feels lost, and no one is left behind. By supporting the Redmond Senior Center, donors can help keep its doors open, its hearts full, and its community connected.

“As we look ahead to the new year, we are asking for your help to keep these programs thriving and to grow even stronger,” Graves added. “Your gift ensures that we can continue to provide vital services and create a vibrant community for seniors in Redmond.”

The Redmond Senior Center invites individuals, businesses, and community organizations to contribute to the year-end fundraising campaign. Donations can be made online at www.RedmondSeniors.org/eoy or by scanning the QR code included in the campaign materials. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in the Redmond community.

About Redmond Senior Center

Located in the heart of Redmond, Oregon, the Redmond Senior Center is a hub for senior education, wellness, and community activities. Dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults, the center provides a variety of programs and services that promote health, education, and social engagement.

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St. Charles, five other health providers unite in a joint message: Vaccines are safe, and we are here to answer questions

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As respiratory virus season arrives in Central Oregon, providers from six local health care organizations are joining together to share an important message about vaccination.

Six health care organizations – St. Charles Health System, Deschutes County Health Services, COPA (Central Oregon Pediatric Associates), Mosaic Community Health, Summit Health, Praxis Health – released a joint video message Tuesday to emphasize the importance of vaccines, and to reassure the community that providers are ready to answer any questions, they said Tuesday.

“Our message is simple: Vaccines are safe, effective and they protect the health of our community, including the most vulnerable. We also recognize that people may have questions about vaccinations, and we want Central Oregonians to know that we are here to listen,” said Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett. 

The message comes at a time when vaccine rates are decreasing across the United States and here in Oregon

“Our voices are more powerful together. We want our community to see that health care providers in Central Oregon stand together,” said Dr. Carey Allen, clinical division director of primary care medicine for St. Charles. “Above all, we care about the health of our patients and our community.”

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Aerospace manufacturer coming to La Pine, promoting growth and development in southern Deschutes County

Claire Elmer

(Update: Comments by company owner, economic development official)

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 25 years in Wilsonville, Western Metrology is making a big move to Central Oregon — bringing aerospace manufacturing to La Pine for the first time.

The precision parts manufacturer has begun work on a new 15,200-square-foot facility in La Pine’s industrial park. Owner Tom Zitzelberger told KTVZ News Tuesday that the decision was rooted in his family’s personal connection to the area.

“My wife and I originally were planning on retiring in La Pine,” he wrote. “La Pine reminds me of the small towns that I grew up in. As our business grew, we started looking at ways to eventually retire here and still support our company.”

Western Metrology specializes in machining parts for the aerospace industry. The new facility, set for completion by the end of December, will offer room to expand and allow the company to add two to three more employees next year.

Patricia Lucas, executive director of the Sunriver and La Pine Economic Development Program (SLED), said Western’s move supports SLED’s ongoing efforts to grow the region’s manufacturing base.

“One of our targeted sectors in south Deschutes County, and specifically in La Pine, is advanced manufacturing,” Lucas said. “We’re thrilled they’ve decided to locate their business here. They’ll be creating family living-wage jobs, which we’re really excited about.”

The 330-acre La Pine Industrial Park was developed jointly by the city and Deschutes County to attract innovative and traded-sector businesses. Lucas said the park’s affordability and the city’s business-friendly approach make it an appealing place for companies looking to grow in Central Oregon.

“We help them find a site or a building,” she said. “They may need help with financing, workforce development or tax incentives. We try to figure out what they need and structure a package to assist them in the best way we can.”

With Western Metrology on the way and more sites ready for development, La Pine’s industrial park could soon become a new hub for manufacturing and job creation in Central Oregon.

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Congresswoman Bynum worries about rise in health care cost.

KTVZ – News Team

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rising health care costs are putting growing pressure on Oregon families, according to Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, who said it’s the top concern she hears from her constituents.

“Health insurance and health care are expensive enough as it is,” Bynum said during a press conference Monday at Clackamas Community College. “Oregonians don’t need D.C. politicians raising their costs even more.”

Bynum spoke alongside members of AFSCME, the union representing public service workers, as the start of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act coverage brought additional stress for many Oregonians. Some families are facing premium increases of nearly 20 percent this year, union members said.

Steven Kang, a resource contact for AFSCME members, described the situation as dire for many working families. “People are terrified,” he said. “There are working families with children or spouses fighting serious medical battles, and they don’t know what they’ll do if they can’t afford the premiums or the treatments.”

Bynum said the repeated message she hears from voters is that affordable, reliable health care remains their top priority. “People have told me over and over again that health care is their number one issue,” she said. “They want to make sure we have a strong system where kids can get medicine when they need it and no one faces medical bankruptcy.”

She also voiced concern about recent cuts to SNAP benefits, warning that reduced food assistance could worsen financial struggles for families already burdened by medical costs.

Bynum said she plans to advocate for stronger protections to keep health care affordable and accessible for all Oregonian

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Redmond managed camp back on track after funding uncertainty

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. {KTVZ} — After weeks of uncertainty, plans to open a managed camp in Redmond by winter are moving forward following approval from both the City of Redmond and Deschutes County to cover unexpected construction costs.

The camp, a joint project between Deschutes County and the City of Redmond, saw costs rise significantly above the initial estimate. The low bid for construction came from Taylor Northwest, at $676,118.75 — roughly $145,118.75 over the original projection.

Under a proposed amendment to the intergovernmental agreement (IGA), the City and County agreed to split the increased expense. Redmond’s total contribution now stands at approximately $322,559.38, with Deschutes County covering $353,559.38.

In October, the Redmond City Council had deadlocked on whether to fund the additional costs, delaying the County’s decision. However, during an October 28 meeting attended by returning Mayor Ed Fitch, the council voted to move the project forward. Days later, during a joint session on November 3, Deschutes County Commissioners agreed to follow Redmond’s lead and contribute their share, clearing the way for construction to begin.

“Construction should be starting by the end of the month,” Mayor Fitch said during the meeting. “We anticipate the camp will be completely built by the end of January. Our job now is to finalize the camp rules and issue an RFP for an operator to manage it for at least the next couple of years.”

County considers expansion of Board districts

The joint session also included discussion on expanding the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners from three to five members. The District Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC) has been tasked with redrawing district lines to reflect population growth fairly across the county’s urban and rural regions.

Jen Patterson, Deschutes County’s Strategic Initiatives Manager, said the committee aims to keep precincts intact while balancing district populations. “They’re looking at current voter registration data, as well as building permit data from the past three years, to understand where growth is occurring,” Patterson explained. “It’s a big responsibility for the committee to ensure growth trends are represented fairly.”

Residents raise concerns over park and road project

A few community members also voiced concerns about the newly approved High Desert Ranch subdivision and its related road project through the future Pershall Way Dry Canyon Community Park.

Victor Borghese, a Redmond resident, urged city leaders to protect the park from private development. “Let that be the park for posterity,” Borghese said. “Let it stand for generations to come.”

Mayor Fitch responded that the issue was not on the evening’s agenda. “We do have a park plan and a transportation plan,” he noted. “Those will need to be reconciled at a future date.”

KTVZ will continue tracking progress on the Pershall Park project and the finalization of Deschutes County’s new commissioner districts, including how the transition from three to five members will align with upcoming election deadlines.

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Deschutes County assessor holds informational meeting about 2025-26 property taxes

Spencer Sacks

(Adding Video and Quotes from Deschutes County Tax Assessor Scot Langton)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Property Tax Statements have been sent out but now people have questions.

Deschutes County tax Assessor Scot Langton and Deschutes County held an informational session on Monday for residents and home owners to be able to ask questions about their property taxes.

When you look at your tax statement you’ll see a breakdown of where your taxes go:  county library, law enforcement, and urban renewal.

But if you look at the bottom, you’ll see a list of bonds that were passed by residents of Deschutes County.

Due to a law passed by voters changing the state’s Constitution, your maximum assessed value of your property can only increase by 3% each year.

KTVZ spoke with Deschutes County Tax Assessor Scot Langton to get a better understanding.

Langton told KTVZ News, “Mostly it’s because of the Constitution and Ballot Measure 50, and they’re paying on their maximum assessed value, which grows 3% annually. Then we apply the tax rates to that. We do vote in new things, so your taxes could go up by more than 3, most people say around 4%.

If you pay your property taxes by November 17th, you can get up to 3% off your property taxes.

Taxes can be very confusing, but Langton told me they have staff and assessors available to answer any of your questions.

The last one of these info sessions is tomorrow night at 5 PM in Sisters.

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