7/31/2026 Board of Commissioners Weekly Update

Josephine County Fair

The County Fair is upon us and wraps up on Sunday, so this weekend is the time to come out and enjoy yourself! Tickets are still on sale for the Friday and Saturday night monster truck shows, so get yours while you still can.

Get Tickets to the Fair

Cow Creek Band Makes Generous Donation to Josephine County Sheriff's Office

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has been seeking financial assistance to upgrade deputies less-lethal electric stun weapons, because the currently issued ones are no longer supported by the manufacturer. The Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe responded to the Sheriff's Office request with a $30,000 donation, far exceeding any expectations. Sheriff Dave Daniel sent a letter personally thanking them for the donation, and the money will be deposited with the Josephine County Treasury and marked to only be used on the upgrade project.

Board of Commissioners Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners conducted multiple public meetings this week focused on public safety communications, transportation and infrastructure improvements, behavioral health services, airport development, emergency management planning, housing rehabilitation programs, and County operations. Commissioners approved numerous agreements supporting County services, continued long-term planning for critical communications infrastructure, reviewed emerging technology policies, and reaffirmed the County's Secure Rural Schools funding election for the upcoming fiscal year.

During a General Discussion on Monday, Commissioners met with department directors, the Sheriff, Facilities staff, and Day Wireless Systems to evaluate the future of Josephine County's public safety radio communications system. Discussion included current system deficiencies, emergency preparedness, interoperability, redundant communications, funding opportunities, engineering assessments, and long-term planning. Commissioners directed staff to continue developing a phased replacement strategy while pursuing grant funding and additional technical analysis before returning with project recommendations.

Commissioners also participated in their regularly scheduled KAJO Radio interview, discussing current Board business and ongoing County initiatives with the public.

At Tuesday's Administration Workshop, Commissioners approved the annual ORMAP Intergovernmental Agreement allowing continued digitization and modernization of Josephine County tax maps. The Board also approved Public Works advisory board appointments, authorization to purchase four replacement Operations Division pickup trucks, Amendment No. 2 for the Wolf Creek Bridge replacement project, Transit signature authority designations, an intergovernmental agreement supporting transportation services for eligible elderly and disabled residents, Federal Aviation Administration grant funding for the Taxiway Alpha Extension, the associated construction contract with Knife River Materials, behavioral health provider agreements through Community Justice, Human Resources position requisitions, annual SAIF workers' compensation coverage, and non-union medical insurance contribution adjustments. Commissioners additionally appointed a new member to the Law Enforcement Service District Citizens Advisory Committee and continued planning efforts related to the County's emergency communications system.

The Board met in Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations and ORS 192.660(2)(a) to consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent. Upon returning to open session, Commissioners authorized Human Resources to proceed with labor negotiations as directed, approved recruitment for Board Office positions, and authorized continuation of hiring processes within the Human Resources Department.

During Wednesday's Weekly Business Session, Commissioners approved the Consent Calendar, heard public comment, recognized firefighters for their response to the East Evans Creek Fire, and encouraged residents to enjoy the Josephine County Fair while remaining vigilant during fire season. Commissioners also highlighted the opening of Fair activities and reminded the public to exercise caution as wildfire conditions continue throughout Southern Oregon.

At Thursday's Legal Counsel Update, Commissioners reviewed the future of the 4-H/Extension Service District Building Reserve Fund, approved amendments associated with the 2024 Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program, and prepared agreements for consideration during the upcoming Weekly Business Session related to the 2025 Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program. The Board also continued discussion regarding revisions to the County's Artificial Intelligence policy, emphasizing responsible use, cybersecurity, employee training, and protection of confidential information as emerging technologies become more common within County government.

Commissioners entered Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) to deliberate with persons designated to negotiate real property transactions concerning County-owned property known as the Dimmick Campus. Upon returning to open session, the Board authorized preparation of an addendum extending the purchaser's due diligence period by sixty days. Commissioners also encouraged public participation in the Josephine County Fair livestock auction and reminded residents to remain cautious during the continuing wildfire season.

Later Thursday afternoon, Commissioners reviewed a proposal to restructure an existing Human Resources vacancy into a Human Resources Risk, Safety, and ADA Coordinator position. The Board authorized recruitment for the revised classification and discussed future supplemental budget priorities intended to strengthen County operational support while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

On Friday morning, Commissioners reviewed newly available federal information regarding the County's annual election between Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding and federal timber receipts. After considering updated financial projections, anticipated timber harvest levels, federal policy, and revenue uncertainty, the Board concluded that Secure Rural Schools funding continued to provide the most reliable benefit for Josephine County and agreed to retain its existing election for the upcoming year while reevaluating available options during next year's election cycle.