BCC Fails to Approve Small Funding Request from Friends of Country Living
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners this morning failed to approve a small funding request from Friends of Country Living, even though the money would have come from the state and not county coffers.
No motion was made to approve the funding request by the group that strives to improve and protect the livability of the small community of Sunny Valley. For the second straight week, Commissioner Chris Barnett was absent and "excused."
Friends of Country Living made the request to erect a kiosk near the Sunny Valley Covered Bridge to explain its history and weight-load limitations to passersby.
Public Works Director Rob Brandes spoke on behalf of the group and told Board Chair Andreas Blech and Commissioner Ron Smith that he fully supported their request for $2,000, which he explained would come from the Oregon Department of Transportation with no funding taken from the General Fund.
The public comment period developed into a "Good Friday" religious debate with a woman presenting Easter-themed cupcakes to the Board followed immediately by a man who made his regular objection to what he called "religious dogma that is promoted by the Commissioners." A Grants Pass City Council member followed that up with praise for the Board reinstating prayer at the start of their meetings.
Other speakers included a man who supports the Friends of Country Living group and a woman who supports the Josephine Community Library District.
Posted on 4/18/25 11:12AM by Sam Marsh
