Madras Pressed Forward in 2021 During Unprecedented Times

Date:               December 10, 2021 – Immediate Release
Contacts:       Gus Burril, City Administrator (541) 325-0308

Madras, OR – During the unprecedented times of the last 18-24 months, many industries slowed down, but government agencies were busier than usual keeping the day-to-day business of their communities going and remaining open and responsive in spite of the COVID-associated challenges everyone faced including mandates, illnesses, and ever-changing priorities. While working through those challenges, the City of Madras was also developing plans and working on projects to stabilize and improve their community beyond the pandemic. “The Council, Commissions and staff of the City of Madras stayed the course in spite of major impacts that challenged us all during the first year of the COVID pandemic,” stated Mayor Richard Ladeby. “City staff accomplished great things during 2021 working through State-mandated restrictions, oftentimes with fewer staff. Unlike many other government municipalities, the doors at City Hall remained open to our community and staff facilitated our meetings to include the public. Complex service requirements are placed on government agencies and I believe the City of Madras exceeded those requirements.”

There is much to be done in keeping a city running day-to-day with the basics of finance, parks, safety, utilities, etc. Madras accomplished all that and much more this year in spite of the ever-changing climate brought on by COVID. Their innovative Housing Action Plan that provides incentives to developers was just getting started when it was evident COVID was going to be around for awhile. Developers were hit hard with staffing and supply limitations and confusing workplace restrictions. Staff were unsure whether developers would be willing to commit to new development. “Our Housing Action Plan provided developers extra incentives, something needed during these difficult times and the reward for Madras was 146 single-family housing units permitted and 48 multi-family units permitted in 2021,” stated Community Development Director Nick Snead. “This has absolutely been a record year for housing permits and 2022 looks promising with additional permits pending approval for single-family subdivisions and multi-family housing units.” New housing supports the economy and helps fund law enforcement. This year, Madras Police Department was able to fully staff every shift for the first time in many years. This housing development trend should have a positive impact on the community and officers.

With new housing development comes the need for additional or improved infrastructure. A multitude of projects were completed this year utilizing principal forgiveness loans to improve sewer systems along Grizzly Road, Fairgrounds Road, Cleveland Street, and Hess Street. In addition, a new pump station was installed near the golf course where a large subdivision is being developed. Oftentimes when sewer lines are placed, roads also get some improvements. “Economic Development Administration and Community Development Block grants alone totaled millions of dollars this year for upcoming waterline improvements on “G” Street, improvements to the Downtown Streetscape and Stormwater improvements on the west side of town. Those projects will be forthcoming in the next several years. The City would not be able to progress forward with the amount of infrastructure projects that we’ve been able to do without grant funding,” stated Public Works Director Jeff Hurd. “That being said, grants require a tremendous amount of time which has had an impact on staff. It’s been a busy year.”

The City began managing the golf course this year and made several improvements that have already increased memberships and revenues. Staff are working on more ideas for this great community resource and hope to increase the amount of tournaments which bring visitors to the area. “We acknowledge that maintaining all of our outdoor community resources, the golf course, Splash Park, skate park, “M” Hill, playgrounds, trails, etc., has been arduous this year with limited staff (due to COVID-related issues) and the increase in graffiti and vandalism, but we’re recruiting for an additional full-time person, implemented some new systems, and have some ideas for 2022 that we believe will help,” stated Public Works Operations Supervisor Chris Funk.

More visitors mean extra revenue for businesses. In addition to 2021 COVID grants they distributed to help local businesses, the Madras Redevelopment Commission (MRC) assisted several businesses in the Urban Renewal District with funding needed for design, planning and renovation. The community may have seen the results of which in Penelope’s Soaps & Such, Ok Barbershop, Reynoso’s Food Court, and the space located at “D” and 4^th Street. The MRC also funds the flower pots, tree lights, and seasonal banners and decorations in the Downtown core.

Businesses bring jobs to Madras which is why City staff were busy this year helping facilitate the construction of a 60,000 sf building in the Industrial Park; applying for grant funds for the expansion of a large aviation-related project near the airport; acquiring grant funds for land purchase and construction of a Homeless Services Center; and coordinating a rural broadband improvement plan; just to name a few. “There is a delicate balance in creating opportunities for living-wage jobs and permitting the right type and enough housing to support that workforce. It’s a critical component in creating a livable community,” stated City Administrator Gus Burril.

A livable community includes community events and recreation which is why the City invests in projects such as connecting Juniper Hills Park to the new bike and horse trail managed by Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) on “B” Street. COTA bike events have been very popular with local biking enthusiasts and bring in visitors from outside the area. In addition, the Budget Committee approved $52,000 this year in community grants to help fund local events like the Airshow of the Cascades, First Thursday’s Downtown, LatinoFest and more. These events provide opportunities for locals and bring in visitors which generate hotel stays and increase economics for local businesses.

“Staff are behind the scenes constantly working on significant projects that don’t become evident to the community for years. Projects begun in 2021 may not be evident until 2023. Year-end is a good time to reflect back and take note of changes and improvements,” stated Communications Coordinator Lysa Vattimo. “We’re looking forward to 2022. We have some new people on staff and new volunteers serving on committees. New people bring opportunities for new ideas with a common goal of working towards our mission…that Madras be a vibrant, responsive community where residents are able to thrive and grow.”

If you’re interested in working for the City of Madras, serving on a committee, commission or board, please visit www.ci.madras.or.us to see if there’s an opportunity that might be a good fit for you. You’re also welcome to attend City Council meetings (dates and agendas are also posted on the website).

Situated in scenic Central Oregon with panoramic mountain vistas, winding canyons and pristine waterways, Madras is a community of diverse agricultural, manufacturing, and business enterprises and cultures.