Jefferson County Oregon

Jefferson County Oregon Jefferson County was created on December 12, 1914. County Seat is Madras. This is the official page for Jefferson County, Oregon.

Jefferson County was created on December 12, 1914, out of territory that was once part of Crook County. The County was named after Mount Jefferson, the second highest peak in Oregon with an elevation of 10,497 feet, which marks the County's western skyline. The County is bounded on the north by Wasco County, on the east by Wheeler and Crook Counties, on the south by Deschutes County, and on the we

st by Linn and Marion Counties. The County encompasses 1791 square miles. Madras, named after the city in India, was incorporated in 1911 and serves as the County seat. A new County courthouse was built in 1961. County government is administered by a three-member Board of Commissioners. The County's population at its first federal census in 1920 was 3,211. The 2000 population of 19,009 represented a 39% increase from 1990. Principal industries are agriculture, forest products, and recreation. The fertile North Unit Irrigation District in the central part of the county produces grass seed, potatoes, hay, garlic, carrot seed and mint. The eastern part of the county has dry wheat farming and grazing land for cattle, and the western part is timber country. The reservation is located on portions of land in four counties including 236,082 acres in the northwestern corner of Jefferson County. The County owes much of its agricultural prosperity to the arrival of the railroad in 1911 and to the development of irrigation projects in the late 1930s. The railroad, linking Madras with the Columbia River, was completed after constant feuds and battles between two lines working opposite sides of the Deschutes River.

Jefferson County Commissioners - August 26, 2026• The Board received the Finance Department’s annual report for the prev...
08/27/2026

Jefferson County Commissioners - August 26, 2026

• The Board received the Finance Department’s annual report for the previous fiscal year (July 2025 through June 2026) along with the monthly investment report for July 2026.

• Commissioners also held the semi‑annual “Move Oregon Border” discussion as required by the voter‑approved ordinance from November 2020, which directs the Board to meet and review how Jefferson County can best represent its interests in any negotiations related to the proposed relocation of the Oregon–Idaho state border.

• In addition, the Board awarded a $998,668 contract to JAL Construction, Inc. for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

• Recessed until 5:30 p.m. to conduct interviews with the 15 applicants for the MACRD Board and consider possible appointments.

To view the entire agenda documents for this meeting and previous meetings, or sign up to receive future agendas, go to: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/administration/page/meetings

For more information:
Chair Mark Wunsch [email protected]
Commissioner Kelly Simmelink [email protected]
Commissioner Seth Taylor [email protected]

08/24/2026

💰We have partnered with Jefferson County Oregon - in their search for a Senior Accountant/Chief Deputy Tax Collector! Joining a small, experienced Finance and Tax team, the successful candidate will contribute to Countywide budgeting and financial strategy, help modernize and streamline processes, collaborate across departments, and bring new ideas to a team that values professional development and succession planning.
🔗To view the full position profile and learn where to apply, please visit: https://prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3394

Jefferson County is hiring! If you’re looking to grow your career, make an impact, and join a team dedicated to serving ...
08/20/2026

Jefferson County is hiring! If you’re looking to grow your career, make an impact, and join a team dedicated to serving our community, we have several exciting opportunities available:

🔹 Senior Accountant / Chief Deputy Tax Collector
💰 $75,323.66 – $96,275.04
Lead professional accounting functions, oversee fiscal operations, and support Governmental and Proprietary fund management.

🔹 Corrections Nurse (RN)
💰 $86,327.46 – $110,339.58
Provide first-line medical assessment and care for Adults in Custody within a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary corrections environment.

🔹 Permit Technician II or III
💰 Tech II: $47,403.40 – $60,588.73
💰 Tech III: $51,345.49 – $65,627.31
Assist the public with building and development permits, fee calculations, inspections, and application coordination.

🔹 Executive Services Coordinator
💰 $67,159.92 – $85,840.55
Support County leadership, maintain official Board records, coordinate public meetings, and manage administrative systems.

If you’re ready to make a difference in Jefferson County, we encourage you to apply!
📌 Visit our Careers Page to learn more and submit your application.

Situated within the Bend Metropolitan Statistical Area, Jefferson County serves as the northern gateway to Central Oregon. The County offers a rural lifestyle, strong community connections, and exceptional access to the region's renowned outdoor recreation, healthcare services, educational instituti...

08/14/2026

🔥 Oregon businesses: Tell us how wildfires and smoke have impacted you.

Has your business experienced physical damage or economic losses because of wildfires or wildfire smoke? We want to hear from you.

Completing the Oregon Business Self-Reporting Damage Survey helps the state better understand impacts to businesses and communities and informs recovery efforts.

Your report can help identify the scope of wildfire- and smoke-related impacts across Oregon — even if your business did not experience direct physical damage.

⚠️ This survey is not an application for or guarantee of financial assistance.

Complete the survey:

English:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2

Español:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2?locale=es

Please share this information with Oregon businesses that may have been impacted by this wildfire season.

08/14/2026

Oregon continues to feel the impacts of drought, and help is available. Public bodies, Tribes, nonprofits, small businesses, and homeowners may qualify for state and federal programs that support drought mitigation, water system improvements, economic recovery, and wildfire‑related well damage.

From USDA Water Assistance Grants and WaterSMART programs to state well repair funding and SBA drought disaster loans, a wide range of financial and technical resources can help communities stay resilient.

Learn more and read the full release here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OWRD/Posts/Post/drought-relief-available-communities-tribes-small-businesses

📣 Volunteer Opportunity: Jefferson County Economic Development ProgramAre you passionate about the future of Jefferson C...
08/13/2026

📣 Volunteer Opportunity: Jefferson County Economic Development Program

Are you passionate about the future of Jefferson County? We’re looking for community-minded volunteers to help support the Jefferson County Economic Development Program!

This is an opportunity to share your ideas, provide community perspective, collaborate with local leaders and businesses, and help strengthen our local economy. 🌲🏔️

📅 The first review of applicants will be September 14, 2026. If you’re interested, don’t wait!

📧 Questions or letters of interest contact [email protected]

🔗 Learn more: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/administration/page/economic-development

Your voice. Our future. Stronger together.

📢 MACRD Board of Directors – Applications & ApplicantsJefferson County is posting MACRD Board of Directors applicants to...
08/12/2026

📢 MACRD Board of Directors – Applications & Applicants

Jefferson County is posting MACRD Board of Directors applicants to our website as applications are received. This real-time listing is part of our commitment to transparency and allows our community to follow the appointment process openly.

👀 View current applicants or submit your own application:
https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/bc/page/macrd-board-directors-appointment-application

⏰ Reminder: The application deadline is approaching! Please submit all required materials before the posted closing date.

Thank you to everyone interested in serving our community and helping support open, transparent local government.

🚧 Road Construction Notice – NE Madras Area 🚧Jefferson County Public Works will be applying chip seal to selected county...
08/07/2026

🚧 Road Construction Notice – NE Madras Area 🚧

Jefferson County Public Works will be applying chip seal to selected county roads in the NE Madras area from mid-August through the end of September.

🚗 What to expect:
• Temporary traffic delays
• Flaggers directing traffic
• Fresh oil on the roadway during the application process
• Loose gravel for several days following treatment

For your safety—and to help protect your vehicle—please:
✔️ Slow down and obey posted speed limits
✔️ Follow directions from flaggers and work crews
✔️ Use extra caution while driving through construction zones

A map of the roads scheduled for chip seal is attached to this post. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we complete this important road maintenance project to help preserve and extend the life of our county roads.

Help Shape the Future of Recreation in Our Community! 🏊‍♀️🌟The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners is looking for in...
08/06/2026

Help Shape the Future of Recreation in Our Community! 🏊‍♀️🌟

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners is looking for individuals to serve on the Madras Aquatic Center Board of Directors!

As a board member, you'll help guide the future of the district by establishing policies, setting goals, overseeing finances, and ensuring MACRD continues to provide quality recreational opportunities for our community.

Board members:
✅ Attend monthly board meetings (held the 4th Monday of each month)
✅ Hire, support, and evaluate the Executive Director
✅ Review and adopt the annual budget
✅ Approve financial reports
✅ Set goals and monitor progress
✅ Help make important decisions about district operations and future funding
✅ Serve as an ambassador for MACRD within the community

Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to give back and make a lasting impact. While individual board members don't make decisions alone, together the Board helps shape the future of recreation for residents throughout the district.

If you're passionate about strengthening our community and want to help lead the future of MACRD, we encourage you to apply!

Application Information: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/bc/page/macrd-board-directors-appointment-application

Applications Due: August 19, 2026 by 5:00 pm
Interviews: August 26, 2026 at 5:30 pm

⚠ A message from Jefferson County Fire and EMS 👨‍🚒
08/05/2026

⚠ A message from Jefferson County Fire and EMS 👨‍🚒

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66 SE D Street
Chennai, OR
97741

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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