Local News

The Josephine Board of Commissioners -- minus former Board Chair John West -- took care of a large number of items during its weekly business session this morning.

Following a public hearing, the Board adopted a fee schedule for the Community Development Department that begins at the start of 2025.

The new fee schedule was tabled on November 27th after the bulk of the new fees were approved, but a universal fee funding code enforcement and administration was questioned. Community Development Director Mark Stevenson testified that he was concerned about the elimination of the universal fee that had provided about $134,000 annually over the past eight years.

Under Administrative Actions, the Board approved the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Project Plan for Josephine Community Transit for 2025-2027. Transit Director Scott Chancey said he will submit the plan to the state for funding.

In other business, the Board approved a purchase and sale agreement with Ireland Investments for a county-owned property on Caves Camp Road, a personal service contract between Josephine County Community Corrections and Options for Southern Oregon, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Department of Corrections that will provide additional state funding for treatment services.

After testimony from representatives of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Board did not approve a collective bargaining agreement, a non-union policy decision or policy manual amendments for administration and personnel. Those issues will be decided in the near future.

Outgoing Commissioners Herman Baertschiger and Andreas Blech closed the final meeting of 2024 by bidding farewell and stating that it has been honor to serve the citizens of Josephine County.