11/13/2026 Board of Commissioners' Weekly Update

Board of Commissioners' Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners addressed infrastructure maintenance, County financial systems, building fees, staffing, administrative policy, capital financing options, airport operations, departmental reporting, and cybersecurity this week. With County offices closed in observance of Veterans Day, no Weekly Business Session was held Wednesday, November 11.

During the November 10 Administration Workshop, the Board approved the first steps toward replacing the aging fuel system at the Public Works Kerby Shop. The existing underground gasoline and diesel tanks are approximately 37 years old and are planned for removal before a failure occurs. No leak has been detected.

The replacement project will move to a smaller 2,500-gallon above-ground diesel tank, reflecting reduced gasoline use at the facility. Commissioners approved fuel-station supplies from Mascott Equipment Company in an amount not to exceed $126,000, subject to correction of an identified pricing error, and separately approved a contract with M&M Services, LLC for tank decommissioning and installation work not to exceed $143,071. The overall project is expected to cost approximately $300,000 to $325,000 and will be funded through the Road Fund.

The Board also approved a five-year extension of the County's TimeClock Plus system, which is used Countywide for employee timekeeping. The first-year cost is approximately $31,166, with future annual costs subject to employee counts and cost-of-living adjustments. Finance described the system as a comparatively cost-effective tool for an essential County function.

Commissioners delayed action on Resolution No. 2026-041, which would continue the County's Property, Equipment, Insurance, and Payroll Reserve Funds. Before taking action, the Board requested additional information showing how the funds have performed over the past three years and whether they continue to serve their intended purposes. Finance will return with the requested review.

Proposed Building Safety fee revisions were also reviewed. Building Safety is entirely fee-supported, and staff reported that previous increases have not kept pace with the cost of providing services. The proposal includes restoration of a Community Development Fee equal to 0.003 percent of project valuation, which could generate approximately $150,000 annually based on $50 million in valuation and would primarily support the ordinance and code-enforcement position previously approved through the supplemental budget.

Commissioners discussed the need to balance cost recovery and public safety with avoiding unnecessary barriers to development. The Board requested additional permit-volume information and individual review of the proposed fee schedule. The matter is scheduled to return November 24, ahead of a proposed December 16 public hearing. No fee changes were approved at this meeting.

Human Resources presented several staffing matters involving Veterans Services, the Sheriff's Office, and Finance. The part-time Veterans Services Department Assistant position previously authorized through the supplemental budget underwent a compensation review before recruitment, while the Sheriff's Financial Crime Analyst job description was updated in preparation for filling a vacancy. Finance also requested authorization to refill a position following an employee's notice of resignation. All positions were reported to be within existing budgets.

The Board voted to repeal Administrative Policy A-02, the Leadership Committee policy. Legal Counsel advised that the formal committee structure created during the 2024 Administrative Policy Manual update could raise concerns under Oregon Public Meetings Law because the committee collectively advises the Board.

For now, County policy development will return to a process in which proposed changes are discussed with the Board and appropriate staff, a draft is prepared, department heads are given an opportunity to provide individual feedback, and the proposal returns to the Board for formal consideration. Commissioners emphasized that input from department heads and County leadership remains important. The motion passed 2-0, with Chair Smith abstaining.

Commissioners also received an informational presentation regarding full faith and credit financing as a potential tool for long-lived County capital projects. Discussion included the County Charter's debt provisions, the role of a registered Municipal Advisor, and illustrative long-term payment schedules. Potential future uses discussed included major emergency communications infrastructure and a phase of Animal Shelter improvements. No borrowing, financing package, or capital project was authorized.

The Board continued work on the proposed 90-Day Airport Lease Modernization Program. Commissioner Richardson and Airports Manager Mike Crisafulli reported that additional time is needed to complete an adjusted implementation plan for reviewing and modernizing airport leases. The item was continued for approximately two weeks, with no formal action taken.

Commissioners also continued implementation of the new Department Report process intended to provide more consistent information about departmental performance, staffing, budgets, priorities, and operational needs. No departments had yet volunteered to participate in the next round, so the Board agreed to recirculate the reporting form and allow another week for responses. Smaller departments are expected to serve as the initial participants while the process continues to be refined.

The Board met in Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(p) regarding cybersecurity infrastructure and response to cybersecurity threats. Upon returning to open session, Chair Smith reported that the Board had received information and education regarding cybersecurity and directed staff to proceed as discussed. No formal motion or roll-call vote was taken.

The Board also approved use of the Anne G. Basker Auditorium by the Josephine County Circuit Court for recruitment activities on November 18.

With Veterans Day observed Wednesday, November 11, County offices were closed and the regularly scheduled Weekly Business Session was not held. Commissioners wished Josephine County veterans and the broader community a meaningful Veterans Day and continued recognition of those who have served.

Throughout the week, Commissioners continued work on County infrastructure, financial stewardship, staffing, public safety, organizational accountability, and long-term planning.