08/07/2026 Board of Commissioners Weekly Update

Fires Banned in Certain County Parks

This week, the Josephine County Recreation Department announced temporary fire restrictions at Wolf Creek Park and Campground, Lake Selmac Park and Campground, and Almeda Park and Campground.

At all of the above locations, all wood and charcoal fires, including charcoal briquettes and grills, are prohibited. Propane-fueled camp stoves and grills are still permitted, but they must be attended and used safely at all times.

At all other Josephine County campgrounds, wood fires are only permitted in the designated fire rings. Recreation officials ask that visitors exercise caution and never leave a fire unattended. All fires must be extinguished completely before leaving the area.

The restrictions are expected to remain in effect until the end of the summer camping season, and the Recreation Dept. may add more campgrounds to the prohibited list if fire conditions change or worsen.

Board of Commissioners' Weekly Summary

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners conducted multiple public meetings this week focused on federal forestland revenue, public safety funding, behavioral health services, emergency management, strategic communications, housing rehabilitation, County investment practices, and ongoing operational planning. Commissioners also continued work on the County's public safety communications system, reviewed policy updates, recognized the success of the Josephine County Fair, and emphasized preparedness during extreme heat and wildfire season.

August 3rd

On August 3, representatives from the Association of O&C Counties provided an extensive presentation regarding the history and management of Oregon and California Railroad lands, federal timber receipts, Secure Rural Schools funding, and the Association's advocacy on behalf of participating counties. Commissioners learned that, based on current federal guidance, Josephine County is expected to receive its previously elected Secure Rural Schools allocation along with an estimated additional share of current O&C timber receipts. The Association also invited Josephine County to consider returning to membership, which would provide participation in policy development, federal advocacy, litigation, and detailed analysis of O&C issues. Commissioners requested additional financial and organizational information before considering membership, and no formal decision was made.

August 4th

During the August 4 Administration Workshop, the Board temporarily readopted the Josephine County Investment Policy while the Treasurer prepares a comprehensive update addressing outdated statutory references, investment standards, and authorized financial institutions. Commissioners also approved a $125,000 provider contract with Continuum Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for outpatient substance-use-disorder treatment funded through an Oregon Health Authority agreement.

The Board designated Emergency Management Director Nathan Sanders and Finance Director Matthew Eide as authorized agents for the 2026-2027 Emergency Management Performance Grant. Commissioners also reviewed a draft countywide Strategic Communications Plan designed to improve transparency, access to County information and services, digital accessibility, community engagement, and consistent communication among County departments. The plan will undergo additional review by department directors and managers before returning to the Board for formal consideration.

Additional Administration Workshop discussions included the rehire of an experienced Advanced Patrol Deputy, continued planning for modernization of the County's public safety radio communications system, and review of County fuel-purchasing practices. Commissioners emphasized the financial benefit of utilizing the Public Works bulk-fuel facility and County fuel-card system whenever practical and supported continued employee reminders regarding cost-conscious fuel purchasing.

August 5th

At the August 5 Weekly Business Session, the Board approved the 2025 Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Grant Contract and a related subrecipient agreement with Home Bridging. The $500,000 program is intended to assist approximately 20 to 25 qualifying low-income homeowners with critical repairs such as roofs, septic systems, wells, accessibility improvements, and other health and safety needs. Commissioners also received substantial public comment regarding the proposed renewal of the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Local Option Tax. The Board chose not to act on the proposed resolution at that meeting, instead tabling the matter for additional discussion and public input.

August 6th

During the August 6 Legal Counsel Update, Commissioners authorized legal action addressing a long-standing solid waste nuisance after repeated efforts to achieve voluntary compliance were unsuccessful. The Board also authorized staff to begin the formal process of dissolving a previously created Road District that had not produced the additional Secure Rural Schools funding originally anticipated. Legal Counsel was additionally directed to participate in informational discussions regarding litigation involving Oregon county trust lands and report back before any commitment by Josephine County is made.

The Board continued extensive discussion regarding the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Local Option Tax. After reviewing projected costs, current levy revenues, detention capacity, and long-term sustainability, Commissioners directed Legal Counsel to prepare revised language for a stand-alone adult jail measure at approximately $0.89 per $1,000 of assessed value. Juvenile Justice would continue to be supported through existing funding in the near term while the County develops a separate long-term funding strategy. Commissioners requested additional public discussion before making a final decision on placing the measure before voters.

Commissioners also reviewed proposed revisions to County personnel policies addressing employee travel, hiring, and at-will employment. The travel-policy discussion focused on reducing unnecessary administrative steps while maintaining appropriate oversight for overnight travel and recurring professional meetings. Legal Counsel will return with revised policy language for future consideration.

The Board met in Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel regarding current or anticipated litigation. Upon returning to Open Session, Commissioners directed Legal Counsel and staff to proceed with the County's defense in the matters discussed.

Throughout the week, Commissioners thanked Fairgrounds staff, 4-H participants, volunteers, families, and community members for a successful Josephine County Fair and livestock auction. The Board also urged residents to remain prepared for extreme heat and wildfire conditions, know their evacuation zones, remain hydrated, and exercise caution with potential ignition sources.