Engagement Letter with Law Firm Approved, AP Reports for Invoices Requested

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners, after previously being served court documents, approved without objection to execute an engagement letter with a law firm and attorney. During Tuesday's workshop, Commissioner Andreas Blech said he had directed staff to find a law firm and attorney to represent the board after learning Legal Counsel will not in this case. In Department Business, the board requested the Finance department provide AP reports of invoices for clarification purposes before the checks were cut. Further discussion will continue at the next admin meeting. Invoices were approved for Finance, Public Works, Airports, and for the Sheriff's Office's license plate camera provider Flock Safety, which would be paid through the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant. The Sheriff's request for Joint Law Enforcement Operations Task Force Operations Funding, which could help overtime coverage, was approved by the board, as well as the Community Justice Department's amendment to the Adapt for Outpatient and Peer services agreement and their Options contract payment. ...Read more

County Workshop to Cover Appointment of New Commissioner/Commissioners

According to the 9 a.m. County Administration Workshop Agenda for Thursday, the board will discuss appointment of new commissioner/commissioners. The workshop will be held in the BCC Conference Room, and will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. The clear bag policy applies to all who wish to attend in person. The board will then convene for their Weekly Business Session at 10 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, beginning with a Public Hearing regarding a resolution to the Josephine County Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Administrative Actions include contracts for Personal Services between Josephine County and both the Women's Crisis Support Team and The Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance. Also to be considered are Treatment Court Grant Agreements with the State of Oregon and the Josephine County Adult Drug Court, Family Treatment Court, and Mental Health Court. The board will consider requests for a Mobile Radio Replacement Purchase, Annual Non-Union Policy Decision, and a board order in the matter of amending verbiage in an Administrative Policy regarding Approval Authority. ...Read more

Holiday Decoration Fire Safety Tips For Trees and Homes

The holidays are a wonderful time, unfortunately, they can also bring a greater risk of a home fire. In a typical November and December, nearly 400 people in the Cascades Region will rely on the Red Cross after a home fire. December is also the peak month for home fires caused by candles and festive decorations. As you prepare your home for the holiday season, remember fire prevention is key. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check to make sure you have the right lights. Replace any light strings with worn or broken cords or loose connections. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.TREE SAFETY If you plan to decorate with a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Add water to the tree every day. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. If you buy an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees. Think about using ...Read more