7/24/2026 Board of Commissioners Weekly Update

County Fair

The County Fair is next week! There's fun for everyone with a rodeo, monster truck shows, live music, and much more. Get your tickets now!

Get County Fair Tickets

Fire Defensible Space Grant Program

If you live in Merlin, Williams, Selma, Takilma-Obrien, or the Redwood Ave area of Grants Pass, you may be eligible to participate in our Fire Defensible Space grant program. For these areas, Josephine County Firewise and the Oregon State Fire Marshal are partnering to help community members remove fuel sources and debris that can carry a wildfire to your house. Limiting the material available to a wildfire around your home has been proven to reduce the risk of ignition.

For other areas in Josephine County, Firewise staff are able to provide property assessments and give recommendations on how to make your home fire defensible. They can also help you to establish or join a Firewise community in your neighborhood. To set up a property visit or discuss other resources available to you, contact our Firewise Coordinator, Mike McLaughlin, at 541-474-5498.

Apply for the Fire Defensible Space Program

Learn More About Free Firewise Services

Board of Commissioners' Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners conducted multiple public meetings this week focused on parks and recreation improvements, information technology infrastructure, labor relations, public safety communications, and continued support of Oregon State University Extension programs. Commissioners also approved several operational items affecting County departments, recognized the contributions of Community Justice professionals through a formal proclamation, and continued discussions regarding long-term infrastructure planning, emergency communications, and public safety.

During the July 21 Administration Workshop, Commissioners approved a construction change order for the Whitehorse Park renovation project, allowing additional roadway improvements necessary to connect newly renovated camping areas. The project remains under budget through significant in-house work completed by Parks staff and will provide ten additional RV sites and five new campsites while preserving the park's mature trees and natural character.

Commissioners reviewed the remaining procedural steps necessary to finalize Ordinance No. 2026-002, involving a previously approved Comprehensive Plan amendment and zone change. Staff was directed to schedule the required ordinance readings while continuing efforts to streamline future land use ordinance processing following approval of land use applications.

The Board approved replacement of aging storage drives supporting the County's primary data storage system, allowing the County to take advantage of manufacturer trade-in incentives while extending the service life of critical technology infrastructure. Commissioners also approved employee email access requests under existing County policy and directed Information Technology to continue developing standardized procedures governing access to former employee email accounts in consultation with Legal Counsel when appropriate.

Commissioners approved a one-year extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Josephine County and Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 737 representing Public Works employees. The Board also reviewed Sheriff's Office staffing requests, including replacement positions and previously budgeted additions for patrol deputies and Major Crimes detectives, emphasizing the continued importance of maintaining public safety services.

The Board approved annual Association of Oregon Counties membership dues, recognizing the County's continued participation in CIS insurance and risk management programs. Commissioners also received an update regarding ongoing efforts to modernize the County's public safety radio communications system. Staff reported continued pursuit of grant funding opportunities while replacement equipment for previously authorized interim repairs remains on order.

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 direction to staff consistent with the matters discussed during Executive Session.

At the July 22 Weekly Business Session, acting as the Governing Body of the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District, Commissioners unanimously approved a new five-year Intergovernmental Agreement with Oregon State University Extension Service. The agreement establishes continued funding, operational responsibilities, and governance for Extension programming within Josephine County through June 2031.

Commissioners proclaimed July 19-25, 2026, as Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week, recognizing Community Justice professionals for their commitment to public safety, offender accountability, victim services, and successful community reintegration. The Board acknowledged the important role Community Justice personnel play in strengthening public safety throughout Josephine County.

The Board received public comment from community members regarding government accountability, constitutional rights, and appreciation for continued support of Josephine County Extension programs. Commissioners also approved the Consent Calendar, including prior Board meeting minutes and advisory committee minutes.

Commissioners recognized firefighters and emergency personnel responding to recent wildfire activity throughout Josephine County and encouraged residents to remain vigilant during fire season. The Board also highlighted the upcoming Josephine County Fair and encouraged community participation in the annual event.

Throughout the week, Commissioners continued meeting with County departments, partner agencies, and community organizations to advance operational improvements, strengthen public services, improve organizational 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.