10/16/2026 Board of Commissioners' Weekly Update

Summer 2027 Campsite Reservations Now Open

Josephine County Parks have now opened their campsite reservations for Summer 2027! If you want to guarantee your favorite camping spot is available, now is the time to book your place. Whether it's a riverside site at Indian Mary, newly renovated Whitehorse, or a lakeside spot at Lake Selmac, our most popular campsites book up fast. Reserve early to lock in the exact site (and dates) you want.

Reserve a Campsite.

Board of Commissioners' Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners addressed a range of matters this week involving land use, public transportation, mining policy, federal forest funding, fair housing, law enforcement grants, agricultural education, and County legal services. Commissioners also continued work on issues involving state and federal funding requirements, public transparency, and long-term funding for programs important to Josephine County residents.

October 13

During the October 13 Administration Workshop, the Board approved the formal Findings of Fact and Decision documenting its earlier denial of an appeal involving a proposed non-farm dwelling on Lower River Road. The decision leaves the Planning Director's original denial in effect. Commissioner Martin, who had previously recused herself from the land-use proceeding, abstained from the vote.

The Board also approved two Transit-related items. Commissioners extended a contract with BC Electronics for maintenance and installation of onboard technology used throughout the County's transit fleet, including cameras, tablets, GPS equipment and communications systems. The Board also approved a $31,500 annual subscription for the Spare One passenger application, which allows riders to plan trips, view bus arrival information, book eligible rides and purchase electronic passes. Both services are funded through dedicated transit resources rather than County General Fund dollars.

Commissioners continued the temporary suspension on accepting applications for mineral exploration permits and mining leases while the County evaluates the future of Josephine County Code Chapter 5.15. Rather than adopting the proposed one-year extension, the Board unanimously approved a 90-day continuation of the suspension, providing additional time to address the ordinance and related legal considerations.

The Board also approved a letter to Oregon and Idaho's U.S. Senators and Congressman Cliff Bentz supporting continued authorization of the Secure Rural Schools program while emphasizing the need for a more permanent and predictable long-term solution. Commissioners discussed the importance of stable federal forest revenues for County services, schools and emergency programs and the relationship between Secure Rural Schools payments and potential future O&C timber receipts.

Commissioners unanimously appointed Daniel Wilson to a two-year term on the Property Value Appeals Board. The Board also agreed to continue listing advisory board and committee minutes on Weekly Business Session consent calendars, noting that doing so makes the work of County advisory bodies easier for the public to locate and improves transparency.

October 14

At the October 14 Weekly Business Session, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2026-037 affirming Josephine County's commitment to fair housing. The resolution is associated with the County's Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program and affirms that housing discrimination based on protected characteristics is prohibited. The County's current and upcoming CDBG funding supports qualifying home repairs, including assistance specifically designated for mobile homes in mobile-home parks outside the City of Grants Pass.

The Board also unanimously approved moving forward with the Sheriff's Office application for $13,114 through the FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. The funding is intended to support deputy overtime for community-engagement activities, including evening outreach and efforts associated with rebuilding a resident-deputy style presence in different areas of Josephine County. The Weekly Business Session provided the required opportunity for public review and comment before final approval.

Commissioners also continued public discussion of Resolution No. 2026-039, addressing situations in which conditions attached to federal funding may conflict with State of Oregon requirements. The Board discussed potential federal False Claims Act exposure, immigration-related funding conditions, and the importance of seeking clearer guidance from the State regarding how counties should respond when state and federal requirements differ. No final action was taken during the evening meeting so additional public input could be considered.

During public comment, residents addressed the Sheriff's grant request, public accountability, education, voting, and the proposed state-and-federal funding resolution. Commissioners emphasized the importance of public participation and encouraged residents to continue providing feedback before matters return for final consideration. The Board also read a letter of commendation from the Jones Creek Neighborhood Watch thanking Josephine County Emergency Management and local first responders for their response to the August 13 Interstate 5 Milepost 57 fire, which residents credited with protecting homes in the area.

October 15

During the October 15 Legal Counsel Update, Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution No. 2026-039, as amended, formally affirming the County's intent to comply with applicable state and federal law while asking the State of Oregon to address potential federal funding and False Claims Act exposure when conflicting requirements place counties in a difficult legal position. The amendment specifically included County officers and employees among those for whom the State would be asked to provide defense and indemnification.

The Board also authorized Legal Counsel to negotiate a one-year personal services agreement with Christian Boenisch, former Yamhill County Counsel, for contracted legal services. The proposed arrangement is expected to provide approximately 60 hours of legal support per month and allow the County to access additional legal expertise at a cost Legal Counsel indicated would be less than filling another staff attorney position.

The Board met in Executive Session during the Legal Counsel Update pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and ORS 192.660(2)(h) regarding real-property and litigation matters authorized for confidential consideration under Oregon law. Upon returning to open session, Commissioners directed Legal Counsel and staff to continue the appropriate negotiations and legal work. No additional details from the confidential deliberations are included in this update.

Later October 15, Commissioners approved an out-of-state travel request for a Building Safety employee to attend the International Code Council Annual Business Meeting in Nashville. The employee's professional associations are covering airfare, lodging and registration, leaving approximately $395 in County-paid meal per diem from the Building Safety Fund. Commissioners noted the value of continuing education and ensuring Southern Oregon has representation in discussions surrounding building-code development.

Also on October 15, the Commissioners convened as the Governing Body of the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District and unanimously approved an agricultural education grant application process for approximately $30,000 in available funding. Eligible projects may include youth organizations such as FFA and 4-H, adult agricultural education, and qualifying facility or capital projects tied to agricultural education. The application will be revised to include an insurance requirement before being released publicly.

The District established an application period of November 1 through November 30, 2026, with the program to be promoted through a County press release and website posting. Commissioners will review the applications received and determine which projects, if any, will receive funding.

Throughout the week, Commissioners continued working with County departments, community partners, state and federal representatives, and service providers on matters involving transportation, public safety, natural resources, agricultural education, housing, legal services and long-term County funding.