2025-26 Fiscal Year Supplemental Budget Approved, Solid Waste Operations Reinstated
The Budget Committee approved the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Supplemental Budget, reinstating Solid Waste operations at 1:30 p.m. today. Commissioner Gary Richardson was voted in as Chair, with Marc Kirby being chosen as Vice Chair of the Committee. Commissioner Ron Smith was absent. The supplemental budget was then presented, with the item for consideration regarding the Solid Waste Division. The Board of County Commissioners had agreed to bring back the Solid Waste Department under Public Health. With the Supplemental Budget being approved, operations will be reinstated before the end of Fiscal Year 2026. This will be funded by a $31,000 transfer from the general fund, covering the program for until July 1st. The annual cost of the program will be about $176,000, this including personnel costs, materials, and services. A grant to help minimize the use of general funds, as discussed in the previous Commissioner workshop, will provide $155,000 each year if approved.
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Evergreen Elementary, Lorna Byrne, I.V. High, SOSA West CJ Campus at Secure Status
Evergreen Elementary, as well as Lorna Byrne Middle School, Illinois Valley High, and SOSA West Cave Junction Campus were on Secure Status following a phone threat this morning. As of the latest report on the Josephine County Sheriff's Office Facebook page at 11:50 a.m., all internal operations at Evergreen occurred as normal, with outdoor activities being restricted. The schools remained on Secure Status until the end of the school day. Deputies remained on scene at the Illinois Valley schools. Parents and/or Guardians were encouraged to contact the schools in order to make arrangements to pick up their students. The initial report at 10:21 a.m. stated Evergreen Elementary received a phone call threatening the school, leading to the response from law enforcement.
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Interim Finance Director Position to be Filled Pending Contract
Former finance director Arthur O'Hare will fill an interim finance director position pending a contract. The discussion was held following an executive session during the Board of Commissioner's 1:30 p.m. workshop. The board commenced the meeting by approving a grant request submission for consideration by the Solid Waste Agency. A motion to approve a grant request of $155,000, with clarification on whether the amount is annual passed 3-0. A personnel action for the solid waste specialist lead was brought to the board for later signing. Human Resources requested approval regarding the current CDL Driver's retiring from PERS, then to bring him back to the county to work three days a week. The current budget covers the position, and a motion to approve was unanimous. The board moved to pay an Ogletree invoice in the amount of $31,446, and will consider resolutions in the matter of Tobacco Retail Enforcement and Budget Committee Terminations and Appointments when the documents become available.
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