08/21/2026 Board of Commissioners' Weekly Update

Whitehorse Park Campground Grand Re-Opening

Josephine County is excited to announce the official grand re-opening of the newly renovated upper section of Whitehorse Park on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The community is invited to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m., tour the newly renovated campground and celebrate the return of this beautiful campground.

The renovation represents a significant investment in improving the camping experience at Whitehorse Park. The upper section has been redesigned with wider, more level campsites, full hook ups, partial or tent sites, all providing campers with improved access, easier set-up and more comfortable spaces to enjoy the outdoors, while maintaining the beautiful natural surroundings, history and views that make Whitehorse Park special.

"This is an exciting day for Josephine County Parks and for everyone who has been waiting to see Whitehorse Park reopen after so many years," said Tamra Martin, Josephine County Recreation Director. "The team listened to community's feedback and worked hard to create a campground that is more comfortable and enjoyable for our visitors while preserving the natural beauty that makes Whitehorse such a special place. We can't wait to welcome campers back."

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests will have an opportunity to see the improvements, hear what's still to come, chat with the park rangers and view the newly renovated area. Campers with reservations may begin checking in at 2:00 p.m. on September 2. You can make your camping reservations either online at Josephinecounty.gov/parks or via phone 541-474-5285.

Board of Commissioners' Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners addressed land use, labor agreements, County staffing, court security, grant opportunities, workforce development, and a comprehensive plan and zoning amendment this week. Commissioners also participated in meetings with regional, state, and federal representatives and continued work on matters affecting County operations and services.

August 17

On Monday, August 17, the Board reconvened a continued Land Use Hearing regarding an appeal of the Planning Director's denial of a proposed non-farm dwelling on approximately 2.71 acres of Exclusive Farm-zoned property with access from Lower River Road. The evidentiary record had remained open following the initial August 10 hearing to allow additional evidence and testimony.

At the beginning of the continued hearing, Commissioner Colene Martin disclosed that she had known neighboring property owners involved in the proceeding through her years in business and Rotary and had recently learned that her son works for a company associated with the project the applicants hoped to develop. Although Commissioner Martin stated that she believed she could remain fair and impartial, she recused herself from the continued hearing and deliberations to preserve the integrity of the process and confidence of the parties.

The applicant presented a new soil analysis prepared by a DLCD-approved soil scientist addressing the soil-evidence issue raised during the August 10 hearing. The analysis identified differing soil conditions on portions of the property, and the applicants indicated their willingness to relocate the proposed dwelling to the southern portion of the parcel identified as unsuitable for farming. Commissioners, Planning staff, Legal Counsel, neighboring property owners, and members of the public discussed the new information, agricultural use of the property, irrigation rights, flooding and floodway requirements, and additional legal and land-use questions requiring review.

Because the newly submitted information required additional technical and legal review, the Board continued the hearing to Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The evidentiary record remains open, and no final decision on the appeal has been made.

August 18

During the August 18 Administration Workshop, the Board considered several Finance, Human Resources, and Board business matters.

The Board unanimously approved two collective bargaining agreements involving Josephine County and the Sheriff's Office: one with the Sheriff Association Sergeants Unit and a second with the Sheriff Association.

Human Resources also presented position requisitions involving Community Corrections, the Sheriff's Office, and Information Technology. These included a change to the current Group Life Counselor Lead job description, refilling a Corrections Corporal position expected to become vacant in August, and replacing the vacant Information Technology Director position with changes to the job title and description.

Commissioners addressed representation on the Court Security Committee, unanimously appointing Commissioner Colene Martin to serve on the committee.

The Board also voted unanimously to approve applying for a grant opportunity under House Bill 4084. The matter is expected to return to a future Weekly Business Session. Commissioners additionally discussed the Rogue Workforce Partnership consortium; no formal action was taken on that matter during the workshop.

Finance presented matters involving District Attorney legal fees and a supplemental budget. No formal action was taken on either item during the workshop, and the District Attorney legal fees matter is expected to return to the Board at a future Weekly Business Session.

August 19

At the August 19 Weekly Business Session, Commissioners conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-002, concerning an amendment to the Josephine County Comprehensive Plan from Farm to Residential and an amendment to the County zoning map from Farm Resource (FR) to Rural Residential (RR5), together with a Goal Exception for property owned by Rose Butte LLC.

Planning staff reported that the Josephine County Rural Planning Commission had previously recommended approval and that the Board had considered and approved the underlying application earlier this year. No appeals were filed. No public testimony was offered during the August 19 hearing. The Board unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance and scheduled the second reading for September 2, 2026.

Commissioners met with Congressman Cliff Bentz during his visit to Josephine County. Commissioners also participated in meetings and discussions involving regional transportation and planning matters, workforce and community organizations, and other County-related issues.

Commissioner Gary Richardson participated in the Oregon Department of Transportation Commissioners Conference, attended a Rural School Board Caucus, and held additional meetings concerning County and regional matters. Commissioner Colene Martin participated in community and regional meetings, including Rotary and discussions related to regional planning and policy.

Chair Ron Smith participated in a discussion concerning treatment planning and also met with Congressman Bentz during the week.

At the conclusion of Wednesday's Weekly Business Session, Chair Smith reminded community members that fire season remains in effect and recognized local firefighters for their quick response in containing recent fires near Grants Pass. He encouraged everyone to continue exercising caution with fire.