Rate Increase and Late Fee Proposal Approved at Weekly Business Session
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved a Kerby Transfer Station rate increase and late fees proposed by the Planning Department during Wednesday's Weekly Business Session. The board approved a 20% rate increase at the gate, and a $1.80 curbside customer charge for Southern Oregon Sanitation's Kerby station, followed by a 3-0 motion to approve a board order regarding a quitclaim deed for the sale of Winona Road land. The Planning department requested a late fee hearing for April 1st at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium. The fees, related to the new Marijuana Annual Compliance Ordinance, would charge $250 if an application was 30 days past due, with $500 charged for 60 days past due. A motion to approve passed 3-0, with the fees taking place effective May 1st.
...Read more
BCC Approved Whitehorse Park Renovations during Second Workshop
The Josephine County Commissioners met for their second workshop at 10 a.m. to consider department business. The board was unanimous in approving the Recreation departments request to sign contracts for Whitehorse Park renovations. The original footprint of the park will remain with power provided to added camp sites. A resolution to adjust terms of the Josephine County Budget Committee members was approved 3-0. A motion to approve a contract for M&M Services, LLC in the removal of old fuel tanks and pumps, funded through public works funds and gas taxes was unanimous. Also approved was a WECO invoice and proceedings to legalize a portion of Cave Camp Road, both covered through gas tax dollars, and ODOT covering 90% of the legalization cost. Before adjourning, the board continued their discussion about the D'Amore Law Group Conflict Waver regarding an opioid case. A motion to approve the conflict waver passed 2-1 with Commissioner Gary Richardson dissenting.
...Read more
Latest 2026 Primary Election Local Races and Measures List Released
The list of 2026 Primary Election local races and measures has been updated as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. Seven applicants are running for Josephine County Commissioner Position #1, including former Commissioners Andreas Blech and John West, recently appointed Commissioner Colene Martin, as well as Tracy Thompson, Corey Wilson, Konnor Kirkpatrick, and Alicia Louise Dove. For Commissioner Position #2, Chad Hansen, Matt Eide, Matt Spurlock, James Rafferty, Michael A. Burdge, Mark Seligman, Bill Ertel, Mark Jones, and City Councilor Indra Nicholas are running. Simon Hare, who had previously applied and withdrawn twice for Position #2, is now in the running to be Treasurer, along with Dustin Calvo, and Alexis Smithey. Rhiannon Henkels, Kris Kirby, and Darius Englen are running for the County Clerk and Recorder position. Since only two applicants, Dave Daniel and Jonathan Knapp, are running for Sheriff, that position must be elected at the November General Election, as the race would only appear on the May ballot if there were three or more filed candidates for the position.
...Read more
