06/26/2026 Josephine County Board of Commissioners Weekly Update

Josephine County Board of Commissioners Weekly Update
June 22 - June 26, 2026

Josephine County, OR - The Josephine County Board of Commissioners continued work on the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, transportation infrastructure, intergovernmental coordination, public safety initiatives, and ongoing County operations during the week of June 22-26. Commissioners participated in public meetings, workshops, legal updates, community outreach, and discussions with local and regional partners regarding matters impacting Josephine County residents.

The Board conducted its Weekly Business Session on Wednesday, June 24, beginning with public hearings on several County matters. Following presentation by County Engineering staff, the Board approved Order No. 2026-038, legalizing a portion of Caves Camp Road No. 4120 in preparation for a future federally funded bridge replacement project.

The Board also conducted public hearings and formally adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budgets for the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District and the Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District.

Following an extensive public hearing, the Board adopted the Josephine County Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, approved the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Supplemental Budget, and adopted the County's annual property tax levy. During deliberations, the Board approved budget amendments establishing one full-time Help Desk Support Technician position within Information Technology and one half-time Law Library Assistant funded through State Law Library revenues.

Members of the public provided testimony regarding the proposed County budget, reserve funding, Sheriff's Office operations, employee compensation, long-term fiscal planning, the proposed Murphy Diversion Dam removal, code enforcement, and community events. The Board also approved the Consent Calendar and concluded the meeting with commissioner comments encouraging wildfire preparedness and recognizing the efforts of local first responders.

During the Administration Workshop, Commissioners continued discussions regarding future funding options for the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Levy and reviewed long-term funding strategies for juvenile detention services.

The Board approved a $1 million House Bill 5204 Horse Racing Grant Agreement supporting improvements at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, approved the Silverbrook Phase 2 Plat Map Subdivision, and reviewed correspondence opposing the proposed Murphy Diversion Dam removal. Commissioners also approved an Anne G. Basker Auditorium rental request submitted by the Josephine County Circuit Court.

Commissioners Smith, Martin, and Richardson participated in their monthly KAJO Radio interview, discussing current Board business, upcoming County initiatives, and issues of community interest.

Commissioners met with representatives from the City of Grants Pass to discuss a variety of shared interests, including Fourth of July event coordination, banner permitting, recreational trail connectivity, future economic development opportunities, infrastructure planning, and continued City-County collaboration.

The Board met in executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(b), (d), (e), (f), and (h) to consider matters authorized under Oregon Public Meetings Law. Following executive session, the Board provided direction to staff where appropriate and returned to open session for public business.

Commissioners received legal updates regarding Oregon Water Resources Department groundwater rulemaking, Community Development Block Grant administration, real property matters, pending litigation, surplus property issues, and other legal matters affecting County operations. Direction was provided to staff as appropriate.

Throughout the week, Commissioners participated in meetings with County staff, community organizations, local governments, and constituents to support ongoing County operations, regional partnerships, public safety coordination, and economic development initiatives.

The Board of Commissioners will continue budget implementation efforts, ongoing infrastructure planning, intergovernmental coordination, and other County business during upcoming public meetings. Agendas, meeting materials, and additional information are available on the Josephine County website.