08/14/2026 Board of Commissioners Weekly Update

Josephine County Sheriff's Office Cancels Contract for FLOCK Cameras

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has been in contract with an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) company named FLOCK. A contract for 10 cameras was entered into to increase the ability to identify/locate stolen vehicles, wanted or missing subjects associated with a specific vehicle and in general enhance the ability to investigate crimes.

In recent months some of the equipment and technology has been targeted and vandalized. There has been a great deal of public concern over this technology and its potential infringement of Constitutional 4th Amendment rights. Many jurisdictions across the United States have run into the same situation of theft, damage and social concern resulting in numerous cancellations of contracts with FLOCK. Josephine County is no different. While the technology has been beneficial in solving crime and overall public safety, it is clear much of Josephine County is not ready or willing to accept the use of ALPR technology.

We at the Sheriff's Office work for the public and we are listening to you. As a result, I have requested Josephine County Legal Counsel to send a "contract termination for convenience" letter to FLOCK. Effective immediately, FLOCK ALPRs are no longer activated in rural Josephine County and the contract with the Sheriff's Office has ended. While some of the equipment is still in the field, it is not being used. It is unknown when FLOCK will remove their equipment at this time.

Board of Commissioners Weekly Update

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners addressed a range of matters this week involving land use, public safety funding, public health, transit, economic development, County operations, and long-term financial planning. A significant focus of the week was continued discussion and public input regarding renewal of the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention local option tax, culminating in the Board's decision to refer the measure to Josephine County voters in November.

August 10

On August 10, the Board conducted a de novo 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. Commissioners received testimony and written evidence from the applicant, neighboring property owners, Planning staff, and representatives regarding agricultural soil classifications, the suitability of the property for farm use, surrounding land-use patterns, and the applicable approval criteria.

During the hearing, questions arose regarding additional soil information submitted by the applicant and the State requirements governing agricultural soil determinations. At the applicant's request, the Board voted unanimously to continue the hearing for seven days to allow additional information to be submitted. The evidentiary record remained open, and the hearing was continued to August 17. No final decision on the appeal was made.

Later that day, Commissioners held a General Discussion focused on renewal of the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Five-Year Local Option Tax. The Board reviewed several potential funding structures, including a jail-only levy and renewal of the existing $0.93-per-$1,000 assessed-value rate. Sheriff Dave Daniel and Finance staff provided additional information regarding jail staffing, operating expenses, historical vacancies, levy revenues, and the resources necessary to maintain jail operations and capacity.

Following discussion, the Board reached consensus to move forward with a $0.93 renewal proposal, with the Adult Jail as the first funding priority and remaining levy revenue available to partially support Juvenile Department detention operations. Commissioners also discussed the importance of developing longer-term funding strategies for Juvenile Justice and other components of the County's public-safety system. Legal Counsel was directed to prepare revised language for consideration at the August 12 Weekly Business Session.

August 11

During the August 11 Administration Workshop, Commissioners approved replacing a Senior Department Specialist position in Community Corrections with a Community Corrections Case Specialist. Community Justice reported that the number of individuals on community supervision has increased from approximately 750 at the beginning of the year to approximately 820. The new position will assist with intake, lower-risk client contacts, compliance monitoring, and required data tracking, with funding available through the Adult Community Corrections Fund.

The Board also approved an amendment extending the County's contract with Synergy for qualified Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition services through the end of 2026. The approximately $30,000 amendment will allow Public Health to continue providing required nutrition services while the County works toward hiring an in-house dietitian.

Commissioners approved approximately $30,000 to $31,000 in battery repairs for the County's remaining 2019 battery-electric transit bus. Approximately 89.75 percent of the work is expected to be funded through an existing federal grant, leaving an estimated local match of approximately $3,100. Transit recommended the partial battery repair rather than a complete replacement because of battery longevity and range considerations and the potential to preserve remaining grant funding for a future bus replacement.

The Board also reviewed progress toward formation of the Economic Development Committee. Finance reported receiving approximately a dozen applications but continues to seek applicants meeting several of the designated membership categories. Commissioners emphasized that economic-development lottery funds should result in tangible benefits for Josephine County, particularly job creation and infrastructure supporting economic activity. Staff will continue recruitment and may return with proposed adjustments to the committee's membership requirements and governing rules.

Commissioners continued consideration of whether Josephine County should rejoin the Association of O&C Counties. The Board discussed the value of coordinated federal advocacy, legal and policy work, and access to information concerning O&C lands and timber revenue. Because membership dues were not included in the County's adopted budget, the Board requested additional information regarding the Association's finances and possible options to phase, prorate, or make installment payments toward membership. No formal action on membership was taken.

The Administration Workshop also included discussion of a proposed COCONUT - Automation Opportunity Sweep, which would evaluate County workflows and identify opportunities to use automation and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and reduce repetitive work. Commissioners expressed interest in opportunities to improve County operations while also raising questions regarding data security, confidentiality, ownership, employee involvement, procurement, and the County's existing technology initiatives. The Board directed that the proposal and supporting materials be reviewed by Legal Counsel and Information Technology before further consideration.

August 12

At the August 12 evening Weekly Business Session, the Board returned to the proposed renewal of the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Five-Year Local Option Tax. The proposal retains the existing rate of $0.93 per $1,000 of assessed value for another five years. The measure is intended to maintain Adult Jail capacity for up to 185 adults in custody and allow the intake of persons arrested in Josephine County, with remaining levy revenue available to partially fund Juvenile Detention operations and related administrative expenses.

Commissioners received public testimony both supporting public-safety funding and expressing concerns regarding the proposed ballot language, Juvenile Justice funding, tax impacts, and how levy proceeds would be allocated. Following public comment, the Board amended the measure language to remove the words "if any" from the provision describing remaining revenue available for Juvenile Detention. The Board then voted unanimously, 3-0, to approve Resolution No. 2026-031 and refer the five-year local option tax renewal to Josephine County voters at the November 3, 2026 election.