BCC Meeting Continues despite Commissioner Smith Absence
Commissioner Ron Smith wasn't present for this morning's General Discussion. In a statement, Commissioner Chris Barnett read that the meeting was properly noticed, but a quorum wasn't present as required by the Josephine County Charter. No official meeting could occur, nor any deliberation. No decisions or votes could be made. The statement continued that only information would be provided for transparency and public awareness. Any items requiring board action will be addressed at a future meeting when a quorum is present. Commissioner Barnett, with Assistant County Legal Counsel Leah Harper present via Zoom for further clarification in regard to the full board, endeavored to bring clarity to any potential confusion regarding the recusal process, governor involvement, and a potential temporary board of elected officials appointing a new commissioner, pending no quorum due to vacancies on the board. Applications for the one vacancy are available at www.josephinecounty.gov.
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Adult in Custody Found Dead During Cell Checks, OSP to Investigate Per Protocol
The Oregon State Police are investigating an in custody death. On Wednesday at approximately 11:45 p.m., during regular cell checks, a Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Corrections deputy discovered Nathan Adams, a 50-year-old adult in custody, unresponsive in his cell. The deputy immediately began life saving measures with the assistance of other staff until American Medical Response arrived. AMR continued life saving measures, but Nathan was pronounced deceased. Next of kin has been notified. Per standard protocol, the Oregon State Police was contacted to investigate the death. There were no indications of foul play. No further details are being released at this time.
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Weekly Business Session Canceled due to Ongoing Security Threats
According to the Commissioner's office, today's 10 a.m. Weekly Business Session in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium was canceled due to ongoing security threats. Administrative actions for the canceled meeting included board orders in the matter of setting County charged fees and Public Hearings, as well as the rescheduling of the Regular Weekly Business Session Meeting of the Board for 2026. Also on the agenda was a Public Hearing in the matter of an Annexation to the Josephine Community Library District by Petition of Landowner without Election, and consent calendar minute approval.
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