Once again the City of Burns is coming to grips with a far too often encountered scenario. Blighted, neglected, and abandoned houses within the city. There are literally dozens of homes that are in violation of municipal codes, sitting empty, and unmonitored for months and, in some cases, years.
Inevitably, the Burns Police Department is called to a Burglary, Theft, vandalism, fires, utility diversion, or unsecured residences where the caller indicates that the last time it was occupied was an extended period of time ago and that it had last been checked upon months ago.
Based upon Oregon law, this is a difficult situation to navigate, where often squatters have taken refuge for an extended period of time, without the property being actively monitored by the owner, designated responsible party, or a property management company. This often leads to owner frustration when a criminal enforcement action is now impossible to prosecute.
The City of Burns is committed to identifying these properties and designating them as Chronic Nuisance Properties under our municipal code. This designation may result in severe financial implications, to include escalating monthly fines, and may result in the subject properties being legally sanctioned where they may not be sold, transferred, or occupied once designated.
Harney County is, and has been, in a housing availability crisis. While some of the properties are in need of abatement, significant repair, or demolition…there are others that are viable for occupancy with a little work to become income producing rental properties or could be available for sale. If the owners/controlling parties actually took an active role in the properties and general welfare of the community, these houses could be available.
The Burns Police Department will actively work with any owner/controlling party who wishes to cooperatively address any property in an effort to solve this issue.
Please feel free to contact the Burns Police Department at 541-573-6781
The City of Burns Municipal Airport Fly In Lunch was a HUGE success on Saturday with over 125 in attendance! Thank you to the participants, organizers, and supporters alike! It was a great day to celebrate the emotional retirement of Walt & Pat Sitz after 38 years of service! Special thanks to Riata Ready for coordination, Beverly's Food Cart for feeding us, Lisa Roath for the cupcakes, Sarah Street for the Retirement Cake and AEG Fuels for your partnership! It was an amazing event and we look forward to the next one!
2025 Free Summer meal menu :
https://5il.co/3hbgv
City Council Agenda Packet May 28, 2025:
https://5il.co/3h5ea
Executive Session Agenda May 28, 2025:
https://5il.co/3h5eb
Due to technical issues, the City of Burns will be closing at 12:00 p.m. today, May 21, 2025. We will hopefully have the issue fixed and resume normal hours again tomorrow. Thank you in advance for your understanding, and we hope everyone enjoys the rest of their day.
Approved City Council Minutes April 23, 2025:
https://5il.co/3gcki
The City extends its deepest appreciation for Walt and Pat Sitz for their unwavering
commitment and years of service to the Airport and invites the community to join us in celebrating their retirement at the Airport Fly-In & Lunch on Saturday, May 31! They will truly be missed, but we wish them the best in their new ventures!
BNO Press Release: Airport Managers Retirement and Personnel Transition:
https://5il.co/3g07q
Temporary Airport Operator Job Description:
1 https://5il.co/3g043
Burns Municipal Airport is hosting a Fly In! A community event to see the airport, watch airplanes, and grab a bite to eat between activities! There are big things happening in Harney County and the airport is no exception!
Fly in, drive in, and be a part of the fun May 31st @ 11a!
Exciting times, awesome information, and Burns, Oregon involved cutting edge technology!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zGtMxGCxgk
City Council Agenda Packet May 14, 2025:
https://5il.co/3fs27
CEMETERY AGENDA MAY 13, 2025:
https://5il.co/3fgky
Executive Session Notice - May 14, 2025:
https://5il.co/3fgkx
UNDERSTANDING WILDFIRE
Brought to you by local fire agencies and their partners
Do you know how to prepare for a wildfire?
LEARN HOW TO PROTECT
YOUR HOME BY CREATING
DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Firewise_2023:
https://5il.co/3f9te
2024 Annual Drinking Water Report :
https://5il.co/3f9bb
THREE RIVERS MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL: We will be fogging for mosquitoes tonight. If you are on the No Spray list, we will try to avoid your area.
Job Announcement: Principle Utility Clerk :
2 https://5il.co/3eu3z
PUBLIC NOTICE: Water main break at Pierce and Egan. Areas south of the intersection of Pierce and Egan will be affected and may not have water until the fix is completed.
Notice:
Harney County Press Release 2-24-2025:
https://5il.co/3edoi Sort Icon
HHW Event Flyer Harney County 4-26-2025:
https://5il.co/3edoj
PUBLIC NOTICE: Residents that are displaced and currently out of their homes may receive assistance from the City of Burns on their water and sewer bills. Please call City Hall at (541) 573-5255 to see if you qualify.