9/18/2026 Board of Commissioners' Weekly Update

Josephine County Public Health Blood Drive

On Monday, September 28^th, the Anne Basker Auditorium is going to transform into a blood drive center! Josephine County Public Health and the American Red Cross are collecting blood donations to help patients in need of transfusions. You can help save a life by signing up to donate! You also get free snacks and a $15 gift card.

Sign up for the blood drive.

Economic Development Grant Applications Open

Josephine County is now accepting applications for the Economic Development Grant Program. Businesses and non-profits in Josephine County that have a project that could benefit Josephine County commerce, jobs, infrastructure, or services can apply for grant funding to support their project. Completed grant applications will be reviewed by the Economic Development Grant Advisory Committee.

Apply for the Economic Development Grant Program.

Board of Commissioners' Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners addressed public health and opioid-response funding, County communications, housing development, personnel needs, natural-resource policy, library district annexations, County fees, and ongoing legal and property matters this week. Commissioners also continued efforts to improve public access to information and emergency communications while recognizing U.S. Constitution Week and reminding residents that fire season remains in effect.

September 15

During the September 15 Administration Workshop, the Board received an update on the County's Strategic Communications Plan and related public-information initiatives. Staff reported continued work on social-media policies, public-record retention, emergency-information resources, website accessibility, and implementation of a centralized public-record-request system. Communications work also continues with Emergency Management on Firewise materials, Know Your Zone resources, and development of jocoalerts.org as a centralized location for emergency information.

Commissioners approved three grant agreements using opioid-settlement funds to expand substance-use-disorder treatment, overdose prevention, and recovery services in Josephine County. The Board approved $140,206.58 for Continuum Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, including expanded withdrawal-management and treatment services; $44,239.68 for the Grants Pass Sobering Center to support around-the-clock peer services and warm handoffs into treatment; and $28,874 for HIV Alliance to support naloxone access, overdose-reversal training, treatment connections, infectious-disease testing, and linkage to care.

The Board also reviewed several staffing needs, including newly authorized positions in Public Health and Solid Waste, a Juvenile Justice vacancy, and temporary election staffing for the Clerk's Office. Human Resources additionally presented a certified lateral Patrol Deputy candidate for the Sheriff's Office, subject to completion of the required hiring and credentialing process.

Commissioners unanimously approved the Stonefly Subdivision plat map, noting the additional housing the development will provide to the local area. Appointments to the Economic Development Grant Advisory Committee were tabled for future consideration.

The Board also unanimously approved submission of Josephine County's formal comments to the U.S. Forest Service regarding the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Commissioners emphasized the importance of ensuring local conditions are considered in federal land-management decisions, including wildfire suppression and mitigation, emergency evacuation routes, road maintenance, and protection of water resources. Approximately 146,000 acres within Josephine County currently carry a roadless designation.

September 16

At the September 16 Weekly Business Session, Commissioner Martin read a proclamation recognizing September 14-19, 2026 as U.S. Constitution Week. The proclamation recognized the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and highlighted its protections of liberty, justice, and civil and religious rights. Commissioners also thanked community representatives for providing copies of the Constitution and supporting a Constitution essay scholarship opportunity for local students.

The Board conducted a public hearing and unanimously approved two landowner petitions annexing property into the Josephine Community Library District. Board Order No. 2026-041 annexed 5.05 acres owned by the Teresa Louise Riegner Living Trust, while Board Order No. 2026-042 annexed 4.25 acres owned by Samantha West Gruys. No public testimony was offered regarding either petition.

Commissioners also held a public hearing regarding proposed updates to various District Attorney fees. The Board noted that the fees had not been adjusted for nearly ten years and that the revisions were intended to more closely reflect the current cost of providing services rather than generate additional profit. With no public testimony offered, the Board unanimously approved Board Order No. 2026-051.

During public comment, residents raised concerns involving a pending public-records request as well as civic and history education. Commissioners indicated they would follow up on the records issue and emphasized the importance of timely access to records that are legally releasable.

September 17

During the September 17 Legal Counsel Update, the Board met in Executive Session pursuant to applicable provisions of ORS 192.660 concerning legal and real-property matters. Consistent with Oregon public meetings requirements, no final decisions were made in Executive Session, and matters requiring Board action were addressed after the Board returned to open session.

Following Executive Session, Commissioners unanimously authorized an extension of the purchase-and-sale agreement involving the Dimmick Campus and approved proceeding with renewal of the County's lease agreement with Southern Oregon Aspire, Inc. for County property at 1222 Redwood Avenue. The Board also directed Legal Counsel to clarify in writing that Josephine County is not a member of Rogue Workforce Partnership and to distinguish any prior liaison role from organizational membership or liability.

The Board also received a request from AMR for an ambulance-rate adjustment. Staff reviewed the contract's annual adjustment provisions, operating costs, comparable rates, system staffing and service capacity. Approximately 87 percent of local AMR transports are paid under fixed Medicare or Medicaid assignments and would not be affected by the proposed adjustment. The Board directed that the request be placed on the next Weekly Business Session agenda for public consideration and formal action.

Throughout the week, Commissioners continued working with County departments, community partners and service providers on matters involving public health, public safety, housing, communications, natural resources and County operations. Chair Smith also reminded residents that fire season remains in effect and encouraged continued caution with potential ignition sources.