I stayed up New Year’s Eve not to ring in the new year, but rather to make sure 2020 was behind us! As we embark on a new year, I am looking forward to brighter days ahead, but know that we will face continued challenges.

While 2020 was a challenging and devastating year for so many, it is through all this tragedy that I’ve seen so much kindness and grace demonstrated in our community. I’m proud to be a part of Marion County and the incredible work so many have done to help us pull through an unprecedented year.

The commissioners and I are eager to continue our wildfire recovery work with inter-governmental agencies including the Oregon Debris Management Taskforce, Oregon Emergency Management, FEMA, the Governor’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation and cities and power companies in impacted areas. We will work tirelessly into the new year advocating for our community and county residents displaced and impacted by wildfires.

In addition, we are encouraged by the swift deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine and look forward to seeing its effects throughout our community in 2021. It is our hope that everyone who wants to be vaccinated, will be able to do so at some point this year. This will dramatically bring our infection rates down and begin to provide some relief to our hospitals and caregivers.

I hope each of you have as much promise for the new year as I do and can look forward to a positive future. If you have questions about Marion County programs and services, please feel free to call the Board of Commissioners Office at (503) 588-5212 or email us at commissioners@co.marion.or.us.

Sincerely,
Kevin Cameron, Chair
Board of Commissioners

The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved an order to waive Marion County building and septic permit fees for primary residences damaged or destroyed by the September 2020 wildfires. Fee waivers will be based on fees for a dwelling of a similar sized footprint as the dwelling being repaired or replaced and apply to Marion County building and septic permit fees. The primary dwelling fee waiver is effective for five years through Sept. 8, 2025.

In addition, fee waivers have been granted for building and septic permits for secondary dwellings to help promote rebuilding in the fire area and encourage the economic vitality of the area. This fee waiver is effective for two years through Sept. 8, 2022. For more information, contact Marion County Public Works at 503-588-5147 or email building@co.marion.or.us. 

COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out to healthcare workers, skilled nursing facilities, and first responders in the community as part of a phased distribution approach. Marion County Health & Human Services has been working closely with state partners to carefully plan vaccine distribution to ensure efficient and equitable vaccination to community members. It will take some time before every Oregonian who wants to get the vaccine can get it, but rest assured it will eventually be available to everyone.

The Oregon Health Authority has established a COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Community Council representing a diverse group of community members to help ensure the vaccine is distributed in a fair and equitable way. Learn more about how the vaccine works and the distribution plan in Marion County.