Alfalfa, Oregon – In a move aimed at protecting taxpayers, Alfalfa Fire District Budget Committee member Sarah Linden filed an ethics complaint with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) this week. The complaint accuses former board president Nathan “Nate” Starr of using district facilities for private church services without paying the required $25 per‑use fee, potentially costing the district at least $5,000 over five years.
Records reveal missing payments
Financial records obtained by the Prineville Review for the years 2023‑2025 show no evidence of payments from Starr or the Alfalfa Community Church for the fire station’s use, despite Starr’s public statements that the church paid the fee. Based on the district’s established fee and an estimated 42‑48 services per year, Linden calculated that the district should have collected between $1,050 and $1,200 annually.
Linden’s pursuit of transparency
Linden, who serves on the budget committee, said she felt a duty to uncover the truth for the community’s taxpayers. After an initial request for records in September 2026 was met with what she described as obstruction from then‑acting board chair Mark Laucks, she appealed to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. The appeal secured the requested documents, which she reviewed for evidence of undisclosed payments.
Potential conflict of interest
Starr simultaneously held the role of pastor for the Alfalfa Community Church while serving on the fire district board. The church, incorporated in 1983, was administratively dissolved in November 2024 after Starr failed to file required annual reports. Nevertheless, the congregation continued holding Sunday services at the fire station through mid‑2026.
Oregon law requires elected officials to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest before taking official action. Review of the district’s meeting minutes revealed no such disclosures regarding the church’s use of the fire station, raising questions about compliance with state ethics statutes.
Allegations of improper check handling
The complaint also cites evidence that former chief Chad LaVallee and other board members routinely issued checks without the dual‑signature requirement mandated by district bylaws. Bank records from 2026 confirm that both LaVallee and Starr signed checks that lacked the second required signature, suggesting a pattern of procedural shortcuts.
Community response
Local residents have voiced concern on platforms such as Nextdoor, noting that the fire station’s facilities were being used for private worship without clear compensation. The issue underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparent governance in small‑town fire districts.
Next steps
The OGEC will review Linden’s complaint and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted. Meanwhile, Linden emphasized that her goal is to ensure the fire district’s resources are used solely for the benefit of the public and that elected officials are held accountable for any misuse.
As the investigation proceeds, the Alfalfa community watches closely, hoping the outcome will reinforce ethical standards and protect taxpayer dollars.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
