State’s sanctuary status could mean Morrow County will lose grant funds
By Griffin Beach on Thursday, August 21st, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
IRRIGON – An executive order from President Donald Trump means that states listed as sanctuary states like Oregon could lose out on federal funding. On Wednesday Morrow County Administrator Matthew Jensen told the Morrow County Board of Commissioners that some county departments could see a shortfall because of it.
Morrow County currently has over $2.4 million in federal grand-funded programs. Jensen said some of these grants are made directly to the county and shouldn’t be affected but noted that approximately $1.5 million of that comes through the state and is at risk. Jensen outlined certain departments and the budgeted amount that could be at risk.
- Public Health Department – $500,000
- Public Transit – $328,000
- Emergency Management – $114,000
- Victim Advocate (VOCA) and Child Support Enforcement – $87,000
- Marine Patrol – $36,050
Jensen noted that some of these departments have already been impacted or are readying for it. The Marine Patrol grant was reduced by 30 percent and Jensen said the Sheriff had reduced marine patrols from four days down to three. VOCA has been notified that their funding may be reduced by 80 percent. State emergency management participated in a conference call where it was stated that a change in their application process might occur, meaning that any funds awarded through them may be retroactively rescinded.
Suggested actions to the board included not providing any additional funding to these departments and reducing expenditures, adjusting budgets to meet the needs of reduced funding, or authorizing reserves to meet department needs due to budget shortfalls. Another discussion point was to apply a decision to all affected departments or look at each one on an individual basis.
During discussion Jensen suggested that he could reach out to elected officials and department heads and have them notify him if there are any shortages of grants. At which point Jensen said he and Morrow County Finance Director Kevin Ince would work to address budget shortfalls and report back to the commissioners. Although no official action was taken, the commissioners seemed to be in agreement with this approach.
“It’s hard to tell how much is political posturing versus how much is real, but in my seat I’m going to assume that there’s some level of risk that we don’t have those dollars coming in,” said Ince.
Jensen noted that about $1 million of congressionally directed spending for the nitrate groundwater issue should be safe because it is direct to the county.
