County adds to crime property ordinance

By Terry Murry on Friday, April 7th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners has expanded its criminal property ordinance. Commissioner John Shafer said the ordinance is a great way to make sure property owners who don’t live in the area take responsibility for what is happening at their properties.

“We’ve used that program successfully,” Shafer said. “Rodeo City Inn was one of those that was cleaned up that way and it’s getting ready to be revamped. It’s worked.”

Shafer said more criminal activities were added to the list with this amendment. They include narcotics and alcohol violations, arson, and public indecency.

“If we go to that residence enough times, then we can start saying to the property owner, ‘We’re going to come after you,’”