Shafer stands alone against courthouse committee
By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 8th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – A resolution approving a committee to study a new courthouse in Umatilla County passed the Board of Commissioners in a rare 2 to 1 vote Wednesday. Commissioner John Shafer cast the vote against the formation of the Courthouse Planning and Needs Assessment Committee.
Shafer said he’s not opposed to a new courthouse when the timing is right. Umatilla County is not due to be eligible for 12 to 15 years.
“A lot can change in 12 years,” Shafer said. “I mean look at the changes we’ve made in the last 12 months in how we do business on a daily basis. I can only imagine what the next 12 years are going to bring.”
He said the ideal time to appoint a committee to study the issue is about two years before the county becomes eligible. He thinks jumping the gun will lead to inefficiencies.
“My opinion is we’re going to be back at the table saying, ‘Okay, we need a committee to make changes to the previous committee’s recommendations,” Shafer said.
