07/17/2026 Board of Commissioners Weekly Update

Take Our Public Health Survey

The Josephine County Public Health Department is taking a Health Equity Survey, which helps them to measure access to healthcare and what people need most for health services. The survey is anonymous and open to Josephine County residents.

Take the Josephine County Public Health Equity Survey.

Josephine County Fair Tickets On Sale

Tickets are still available for the Josephine County Fair! With live music, a rodeo, two monster truck shows, food, and rides, there's something for everyone. The Fair kicks off on Wednesday, July 29^th and wraps up on Sunday, August 2^nd.

Buy Josephine County Fair Tickets

Josephine Community Transit Service Adjustments

Starting on July 1^st, Josephine Community Transit (JCT) services were cut by approximately 15 hours per day. These service cuts were important to ensure that JCT can continue to sustain its operations over the next several years. JCT will still continue to provide transportation in the Josephine County area to anyone who needs a ride!

Why were services reduced?

The cuts happened because current revenue was not keeping pacing with the cost of providing service. JCT relies on federal and state grants, service agreements, and user fares for its funding. It does not receive any funding from the Josephine County general fund. The services had to be cut to prevent taxpayers from being impacted.

What services were cut?

Route 10 - 6^th St & 7^th St, Rogue Community College

• Reduced operational hours from 9:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Decreased route frequency from 30 minutes to 1 hour between 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Route 20 - Rogue River Hwy., Walmart, Grants Pass Shopping Center

• Last evening bus departs at 5:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m.

Route 50 - Cave Junction

• Reduced to 5 runs per day.
• The 6:35 a.m. run leaving Grants Pass was cancelled. The 5:30 a.m. run is still available.

Route 80 - Merlin, Hugo, Sunny Valley, Wolf Creek

• Reduced to 3 runs per day.
• The 12:35 p.m. run was cancelled.

Route 100 - Grants Pass, Rogue River, Gold Hill, Medford

• The 9:00 a.m. run was cancelled. Other morning runs are still available.

On Demand Evening Service - On-Call Van Booked Online or through JCT Dispatch

• App based service between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in Grants Pass was eliminated.
• On-Demand service removal means there are no transit services available within Grants Pass after 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Board of Commissioners Weekly Update (7/13-7/17)

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners conducted multiple public meetings this week focused on public safety, fiscal stewardship, organizational planning, infrastructure, and long-term County operations. Discussions centered on governance of the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District, Community Development Block Grant administration, Secure Rural Schools funding, the proposed Jail and Juvenile Justice Levy renewal, communications infrastructure, personnel policies, fleet replacement, and continued planning for improvements to the Josephine County Animal Shelter. Commissioners also received updates regarding wildfire preparedness and worker safety as Southern Oregon enters the height of fire season.

During the July 14^th Administration Workshop, Commissioners conducted an extensive review of the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District and Oregon State University Extension Service. Discussions included governance responsibilities, operational funding, future office space at Rogue Community College, furnishings, travel reimbursement, and long-term facility planning. The Board directed staff to place the agreement before the governing body of the 4-H/Extension Service District for formal consideration at an upcoming Weekly Business Session.

Commissioners also approved submission of a conflict-of-interest exception request to Business Oregon relating to the County's Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program. The request supports continued administration of grant funding that assists eligible homeowners with housing rehabilitation projects throughout Josephine County while maintaining compliance with federal and state program requirements.

The Board reviewed preliminary ballot language and funding projections associated with renewal of the existing Jail and Juvenile Justice Local Option Levy. Discussion focused on maintaining current detention services, addressing increased operating costs, and ensuring clear communication with voters prior to any future ballot measure. Staff were directed to continue refining the proposal before returning it to the Board for consideration.

Commissioners approved the County's annual Secure Rural Schools election, continuing participation in the federal program and adopting funding allocations among Titles I, II, and III to support local schools, road maintenance, wildfire preparedness, and eligible federal forest projects. The Board also continued review of proposed revisions to the County Personnel Policy Manual and broader Administrative Policies and Procedures, directing staff to return individual policy updates for future consideration.

The Board met in Executive Session during the week pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel regarding legal matters. Upon returning to Open Session, Commissioners provided directions to staff consistent with the matters discussed during Executive Session.

Additional discussion focused on long-term planning for the Josephine County Animal Shelter. Commissioners reviewed conceptual improvements for Phase I renovations, including expanded intake and treatment areas, future spay and neuter capabilities, operational efficiencies, project costs, and potential grant funding opportunities. Staff were directed to continue refining the project before returning with additional recommendations.

The Board approved the purchase of nine replacement fleet vehicles supporting the Sheriff's Office and Community Justice as part of the County's ongoing fleet replacement program. Commissioners also approved renewal of the County's annual CIS insurance coverage after reviewing premium costs, claims history, and overall risk management considerations.

Commissioners further authorized funding for replacement of a failed microwave communications link serving the County's emergency radio system. Discussion emphasized maintaining dependable communications for first responders while broader modernization of the County's public safety communications infrastructure continues to be evaluated.

At the July 15^th Weekly Business Session, Commissioners highlighted increasing wildfire danger throughout Southern Oregon and encouraged residents to remain vigilant as fire conditions continue to intensify. The Board also emphasized Oregon OSHA guidance regarding worker safety during periods of extreme heat and wildfire smoke, encouraging employers and employees to remain informed and prepared throughout the summer fire season.

Throughout the week, Commissioners continued meeting with County departments, partner agencies, and community stakeholders to advance organizational improvements, strengthen public services, improve operational efficiency, and support responsible long-term planning for Josephine County.

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners remains committed to transparent governance, responsible fiscal stewardship, effective public services, and strategic planning that serves the residents of Josephine County.