11/6/2026 Board of Commissioners' Weekly Update

Operation Green Light for Veterans

Josephine County is illuminating the County Courthouse green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans.

From November 4-11, the courthouse is lit with green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Now in its sixth year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers' Association in 2021. In 2025, 412 counties across 44 states participated in Operation Green Light.

"We want to express our deep appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our veterans," County Commissioner Colene Martin said. "The green lighting is a small token of our gratitude and a reminder to our community to honor and support those who have served. We also want veterans to be aware of the services and resources available to them through the County and our community."

Josephine County encourages residents, businesses and community organizations to participate in Operation Green Light by changing one light to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Community members may also share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

"Operation Green Light is a reminder of the service, sacrifice and ongoing contributions of military veterans and service members residing in our community," Josephine County Veterans Service Officer Lisa Pickart said. "They are a valuable resource to every community throughout the nation."

The Josephine County Veterans Service Office is located in the County Courthouse. The staff professionally advocate for veterans and their families to receive the benefits for which they are eligible.

Community Development Block Grant Results

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners accepted the program completion report for a project that helped keep community members safely housed Wednesday.

The Community Development Block Grant Program helped to restore vital structures in 21 Josephine County homes, including roofs, septic systems, water wells, seismic upgrades, gutters, and disability ramps. The program assisted low- and moderate-income households, and all homeowners underwent income verification to be eligible. 14 of the 21 homes had a senior homeowner, many on fixed incomes.

The program also provided several benefits in addition to repairs, including environmental reviews, addressing lead-based paint requirements, and performing Housing Quality Standard inspections. Overall, the grant helped invest $420,000 back into Josephine County's economy, with work performed by local contractors and tradespeople. Home Bridging GP administered the program with funding from Business Oregon.

Agricultural Education Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The Board of Commissioners has approved $30,000 of funding for the 4-H/Extension Service District Agricultural Education Grant Program. The Board anticipates funding three or four projects, but may award the entire amount to one worthy project. Youth and adult agricultural education programs may apply, and educational projects and facility/capital projects connected to agricultural education are eligible.

Applications are open until November 30th.

Learn more and download the application form.

Board of Commissioners' Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners addressed County communications, staffing and compensation, departmental accountability, mining policy, veterans recognition, and upcoming Board scheduling this week. Commissioners also continued work to improve public access to County information and refine how departments report operational, staffing, and budget information to the Board and the public.

During the November 3 Administration Workshop, the Board received an update on the County's communications program. Staff reported continued promotion of the Agricultural Education Grant Program and Operation Green Light for Veterans, along with increased social-media engagement following recent policy changes. The Agricultural Education Grant application is currently available online with a November 30 deadline.

Communications work also included filming with the County Clerk for a future educational video explaining ballot intake, tracking, verification, and counting procedures; Public Health and Transit website updates; implementation planning for a Planning and Community Development chatbot; and continued development of related website policies. The Board also asked that the County's new public-records software be evaluated for its ability to track response times as a future departmental performance measure.

Human Resources presented several compensation and staffing matters. The Senior Ranger, Ranger, and Assistant Ranger classifications are being adjusted following a compensation review reflecting expanded responsibilities associated with the combined Parks and Fairgrounds operations, including work at County parks, the Fairgrounds, and Granite Hill Cemetery.

The Board also reviewed a Jail Clinic classification change following an employee's advancement from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse licensure, an Airport Manager step increase supported by completed performance evaluations, and the recall of two Transit Operators from the July layoff list totaling 1.5 FTE. The personnel actions and requisitions were left for signature.

Commissioners continued development of the new Department Report to the Board of County Commissioners, using the Board Office as the first working example before the process is expanded Countywide. The proposed reporting format includes measures such as Board actions adopted, timeliness of approved minutes, open and past-due commitments, public-records request volume and completion times, advisory-board vacancies, budget status, overtime, staffing, grants, capital projects, audit findings, and future operational needs.

The Board discussed using the reports on a six-month cycle, with department-specific measures developed collaboratively and refined as necessary. Non-elected departments would be expected to participate, while elected departments would be encouraged to participate to assist with budget oversight. Commissioners supported beginning gradually, with approximately one smaller department participating in November and another in December before broader implementation. No formal action was taken.

The Board also resumed discussion regarding the potential repeal of Josephine County Code Chapter 5.15, the County's Mining Ordinance. Legal review indicated that repeal should not directly change the rules applicable to the pending case because the matter is governed by the rules in effect at the time, although counsel identified some risk that later County action could still be considered by the court.

Commissioner Richardson expressed support for repealing the ordinance, while Vice-Chair Martin favored allowing additional time for legal review and considering whether the current 90-day suspension should be extended. With Chair Smith absent and the two participating Commissioners not in agreement, no decision was made. The matter will return to a future Administration Workshop closer to the end of the current suspension period.

Commissioner Richardson also clarified the public record regarding the Facilities Director Performance Improvement Plan, stating that the plan had been signed by the Commissioners and that Commissioner Martin would carry out the oversight responsibility established in the signed plan. No formal action was taken.

At the November 4 Weekly Business Session, the Board recognized November 4-11, 2026 as Operation Green Light for Veterans. The proclamation recognizes the service and sacrifices of veterans, designates Josephine County as a Green Light for Veterans County, provides for green lighting at the Courthouse, and encourages residents and businesses to display green lights in support of veterans.

Veterans Service Officer Lisa Pickart accepted the proclamation and noted that community recognition helps remind veterans that their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated. The proclamation was approved 2-0.

The Board also approved Order No. 2026-062, canceling the regular Weekly Business Session scheduled for November 11, 2026, because Veterans Day is a federal holiday and County offices will be closed.

During public comment, residents discussed the recent election, civic participation, national political and economic issues, and the importance of remaining engaged in the community. Speakers also recognized local veterans and encouraged residents to reach out to veterans and neighbors who may otherwise spend the upcoming holiday season alone.

Commissioners responded by emphasizing the importance of representative government, civic involvement, and continuing to serve the broader community following an election. Vice-Chair Martin thanked residents for their participation and said she looked forward to continued work with the community and collaboration with the cities of Grants Pass and Cave Junction.

Chair Ron Smith was excused from both the November 3 Administration Workshop and November 4 Weekly Business Session. At Wednesday's meeting, Vice-Chair Martin noted that Chair Smith was absent due to a family matter and expressed the Board's thoughts and prayers for him and his family.