[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6554407,"mediaKeyId","5024426-fcf2908e6524fe8115ac3fcfbef9d979","parentId",5024426,"title","Votes at a glance: Josephine County commissioners approve budgets, annexations and routine actions","audioSeconds",3174,"startMs",26000,"endMs",3200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024426-fcf2908e6524fe8115ac3fcfbef9d979&start=26&end=3200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024426-fcf2908e6524fe8115ac3fcfbef9d979/thumbnail_26000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6554407/Josephine-County/Oregon/Votes-at-a-glance-Josephine-County-commissioners-approve-budgets-annexations-and-routine-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554407-8aeb9d220ad1366e7a725a479fa64acc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151694&Signature=lZK2QhOhENdkS5cu0rmhQ9bXU~6~9YoUYs3bWcdydcFnkELoE6uT3A1FDzuCxnimQGs~Nn2JvTEvD-d20XWb9Z-Yv5Gt2txvQHY684FVW0WMydUFMPlipR3bEguHYnA~y6MHUpFWn1utlLnWTgVMroRoyXB~Z-frYV7FBKyHfuP7iTnVTkbr~zTl7KuDpkuQM1uumfWjjf8aT6F7gq4A~MK15YTeZPR52m--~RQbpZ589cJyfWsG9D1Zkgr2MWVe9vCtzWPJ8DYMYtgNMsI8NYNjxetrYdnB9pWWm6V3TYCxphXiykhMZRIXt~ZcbI8okn8lYT6xDEqm2nSxAW0yWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Josephine County","date","2025-06-19T06:49:47Z","article","The Josephine County Board of Commissioners took a series of formal actions during its weekly business session on a range of district budgets, annexations and administrative items. Most votes were unanimous; several budget decisions were contested and passed by 2–1.

Key votes and outcomes (summary):

- Annexation orders: The board approved Order 2025050 (Cavallini/Dodette revocable trust, Assessor No. 36071300001701, ~3.02 acres) and Order 2025051 (Smith Revocable Trust, ~10.01 acres, map numbers noted in record). Both motions passed 3–0 on roll call.

- Bridal Fire Protection District budget: Resolution 2025‑024 to adopt the 2025–26 budget and make appropriations for the Josephine County Bridal Rural Fire Protection District passed 3–0.

- Law Enforcement Service District budget: Resolution 2025‑026 adopting the Law Enforcement Service District 2025–26 budget and appropriations passed 3–0 after public testimony urging restoration of promised patrol services.

- County budget and associated actions: Resolution 2025‑2027 (county budget 2025–26) passed 2–1 after amendments prioritizing sheriff funding and reducing general fund cuts from 12% to 5% (see separate article on public safety). Commissioner Black voted no; Commissioners Smith and Barnett voted yes.

- Ad valorem and local option levy rates: Resolution 2025‑028 levying the county's property tax rates and local option levies for fiscal year 2025–26 passed 3–0.

- Supplemental budget and appropriations for 2024–25: Resolution 2025‑029 adopting a supplemental budget and adjustments passed 3–0.

- Acceptance of special district election results: The board accepted results for the Josephine County Bridal Fire Protection District and the Merlin North Valley Sanitary District; vote 3–0.

- Intergovernmental agreement and personnel transfer: The board approved a county employee transfer to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality under an intergovernmental agreement; vote 3–0.

- Consent calendar: Minutes and routine items (including draft minutes for the budget committee continued hearing and weekly business session) were approved 3–0.

Several items drew public comment before votes, most prominently the 4‑H Extension Service District budget (resolution 2025‑025) and the county budget (resolution 2025‑2027). The latter included extended deliberations over funding for additional sheriff positions, school resource officer staffing and the balance between law‑enforcement district taxes and general‑fund contributions.

Formal roll calls are in the public meeting record. Where noted, clerk roll call recorded Commissioners Smith, Barnett and Black and outcomes as listed above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Weekly Business Session","oneSentenceSummary","The Board approved multiple resolutions and administrative items Wednesday including two annexations, the Bridal Fire Protection District and Law Enforcement Service District budgets, county levies and supplemental appropriations. Most measures passed unanimously; a handful of budget items passed 2–1 after debate.","taxTitle","Josephine County, Oregon","taxId",48731,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554409,"Josephine County trims proposed cuts, increases sheriff funding to restore 24/7 patrols",1130,2020000,3150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024426-fcf2908e6524fe8115ac3fcfbef9d979&start=2020&end=3150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024426-fcf2908e6524fe8115ac3fcfbef9d979/thumbnail_2020000.jpg","/articles/6554409/Josephine-County/Oregon/Josephine-County-trims-proposed-cuts-increases-sheriff-funding-to-restore-247-patrols","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554409-4cc512a7f1150a5eb702f4b37d7d2864/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151694&Signature=ihkW92ATvyOG6pDeJiAilQ1bx7IRL0JKudI0sYzJnkBXSiq4JI~x22nacNrvjfrlB~v0jVZ7vaCOu-X0URyrcMLjMoyBcHVCuTYbtn2yAFG5DbdQKyt4EGyATUjerBlYVJzq741WJhkXYlYzcAvHJlzCMKZkjJdygS-CaVl6CknM0AeoL8~-4W2JlajKYQXPGXmStcd8sJOGi0WxBcP4tZ6sQCxeGk0j~enfcAGZj99CB-t~CJfz20IqjFN50JQi8k9Z0~QAMV1UiRU1SALbCAS~evd7Iw7BHyJd-NS1zXta9knrRYUTVb0BuVjnaT~5Eal9~M8f6DY4NiBLJWfbtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 on Wednesday to adopt the 2025–26 county budget with amendments designed to prioritize public safety and restore round‑the‑clock sheriff patrols.

The board approved resolution 2025‑2027 with changes that reduced the proposed general fund allocation cut from 12% to 5%, exempted the juvenile division and the Veteran Service Office from the reduction, reallocated Title 1 road dollars from Public Works to the sheriff's budget, and increased the sheriff's authorized expenditures by $503,200 to support restoration of 24/7 patrols. The motion passed with Commissioners Smith and Barnett voting yes and Commissioner Black voting no.

Why it matters: Restoring full patrol coverage and adding investigative staff were recurring themes in a weeks‑long public discussion. Numerous residents and school and veterans representatives asked commissioners to fund an additional school resource officer and to increase patrol and detective staffing so the sheriff's office can respond across the county's 1,600 square miles.

Public testimony included a wide range of safety arguments. Jessica Knaebel, representing the 3 Rivers School District, urged the board to fund a second school resource officer to ensure consistent presence and faster response across 17 campuses; she said the district's geography makes a single SRO insufficient. John Knapp, a public safety advocate, told the board homeowners are paying roughly $5.46 million collectively to support the law enforcement district and urged the county to deliver the promised patrol services. Mark Jones, a resident, asked the board to \"follow through\" and provide the additional $750,000 he said would restore the sheriff's staffing targets.

Commissioners and county staff debated several technical and policy points during deliberations. Commissioner Barnett argued the county must balance fiscal prudence with public safety and said negotiations with the sheriff produced a proposal that would return 24/7 patrols while keeping the county's finances in the green. \"I think we're going to move in a positive direction to restore these 24/7 patrols,\" Barnett said.

Commissioner Smith said detectives are a high priority and endorsed restoring multiple detective positions along with the school resource officer. Director Ruth Nelson, the county's budget officer, clarified staffing numbers: the budget officer's original proposal included an increase of 2.5 full‑time equivalents (FTE); the board's amendment authorized an additional increase (the motion was read as an additional 3 FTE tied to the $503,200 increase) and staff confirmed the amendment as stated.

Commissioner Black opposed the motion, objecting to reallocation of Title 1 road dollars from Public Works to law enforcement and expressing concern about exempting certain departments from reductions. \"Stealing it, essentially, from one department... I don't think is the right way to go,\" Black said during debate.

The board's amended budget also exempted other public‑safety related accounts (district attorney, court facilities) and several reserve categories from the 5% reduction, per a clarifying amendment. County staff said the final package keeps the county in surplus while targeting funds to patrols and investigator positions; any unspent sheriff allocations revert to the general fund.

Votes and formal action: Motion to adopt resolution 2025‑2027 with amendments (reduce general fund cuts from 12% to 5%; exempt juvenile and VSO; reallocate Title 1 road funds; increase sheriff authorized expenditures by $503,200 and associated FTEs) passed 2–1 (Commissioner Smith: Yes; Commissioner Barnett: Yes; Commissioner Black: No).

Looking ahead: Commissioners said they may consider a supplemental request later if the sheriff needs additional resources, and county staff will monitor hiring outcomes and budget usage. The county will next consider related levy and supplemental budget items approved elsewhere on the agenda.","After lengthy public comment on public safety, commissioners adopted the county's 2025–26 budget with amendments: general fund reductions cut from 12% to 5%, juvenile and veterans offices exempted, Title 1 road dollars reallocated to the sheriff, and sheriff authorized expenditures increased by $503,200 to restore 24/7 patrols; vote 2–1.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554417,"Josephine County approves OSU Extension 2025–26 budget but sets levy at $0, citing reserve funds",1233,421000,1654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024426-fcf2908e6524fe8115ac3fcfbef9d979&start=421&end=1654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024426-fcf2908e6524fe8115ac3fcfbef9d979/thumbnail_421000.jpg","/articles/6554417/Josephine-County/Oregon/Josephine-County-approves-OSU-Extension-202526-budget-but-sets-levy-at-0-citing-reserve-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554417-eb9c6853cb651b2d675a68fa0afdd5ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151694&Signature=IH4iPYMSkPZCC30CV18qWk7~WgxVKXuQ5WKYCokCeo6T6om4oy7dRyG2CZjRzRdmeZjF7t~ZoUCLchLGf4PFvGYZJr9KEEJ7OqMF9A8J16ZittZ7GZi1MSPSvnMXykMYS3E~cTjh8JWdu2s-FPRILGXnbBLay2x-~4U-LOD-1czJMVRXE2zaav3VTxpfJidHmhaUYSTiNSOgK9~RbttU1FqWBxt~-3RxwoQNkGK54zWGXsgze9vex9gAz9kAkFDd-0UKb7XJQB9YjyTbQA7E7BQZQShreUEnKZ6YKbuCTyJDY-sAgIAVo2hFGz9Rb34Li14TlkdcF09NPYRa4swQNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 on Wednesday to adopt the 2025–26 budget for the county's 4‑H Extension Service District while postponing collection of the local levy and drawing on reserves to restart operations.

The decision rescinded a request to reinstate the district's property tax levy for the coming year and amended the budget by setting the levy at 0¢ per $1,000 of assessed value and reducing the unappropriated ending fund balance by $435,000. The motion to adopt resolution 2025‑025, as amended, passed with Commissioners Smith and Barnett voting yes and Commissioner Black dissenting.

Why it matters: The action restores Extension operations in Josephine County after the program's funding was frozen in prior years, while delaying a vote to resume a dedicated tax. Supporters told commissioners that Extension programs'including 4‑H, Master Gardener services and youth programming'provide education, economic development support and services for children and veterans. Opponents and at least one commissioner said the board should be cautious about reinstating the levy immediately.

Public testimony at the hearing was overwhelmingly in favor of resuming Extension operations. Carrie Reiter, a Grants Pass resident, urged the board to restore both the budget and the levy, saying, \"Just having the budget doesn't do anything without backup cash.\" Jim Goodwin, another longtime resident, recommended placing the levy on the November ballot if voters want to confirm modern support for the tax approved in the 1990s.

Commissioner Chris Barnett, who led negotiations with Oregon State University (OSU) Extension and staff, said county and OSU representatives committed to several safeguards before funds would be released: an intergovernmental/service agreement with the county, a memorandum of agreement with the fairgrounds and partner programs, formation of a local advisory committee, and regular liaison meetings with commissioners. \"You take something away, you have to gradually give it back and make sure they're going to be good stewards of the program and your taxpayer dollars,\" Barnett said.

Ruth Nelson, Josephine County budget officer, clarified the county's and OSU's proposal: OSU's proposed budget did not include collecting the levy for next fiscal year; the appropriation in the proposal included roughly $230,000 for immediate operations and a $130,000 reserve for future expenditures. Nelson said the $435,000 figure represented the estimated tax revenue that would increase the fund balance if collected; under the board's amendment that money will remain uncollected and the budget will be drawn down by that amount.

Supporters highlighted specific local impacts. Georgia Moulton, a former master gardener, said the canceled levy previously cost the county about $750,000 in returned tax dollars that leveraged state and federal matching funds. Deb Berg, a 4‑H alumna, called the levy a small cost to households (she cited an example of $18.36 annually on a $400,000 home) and urged commissioners to restore programming that benefits youth and community food systems.

Commissioner Black said he would dissent because of constituent concerns he had received and because some residents opposed immediate reinstatement of the levy.

The board's amendment directs the program to resume operations using existing fund balance and OSU's proposed appropriation. Commissioners said they intend to reassess the levy and overall funding in the next budget cycle after observing program restart and implementation.

Votes and formal action: Motion to adopt resolution 2025‑025 as amended (levy set to 0¢ per $1,000 and reduce fund balance by $435,000) passed 2–1 (Commissioner Smith: Yes; Commissioner Barnett: Yes; Commissioner Black: No).

Looking ahead: County staff said the current reserves should cover operations for about a year and a half under the OSU proposal; commissioners said they may consider reinstating the levy in the next budget process pending progress reports and establishment of the advisory and intergovernmental arrangements.

","After extensive public comment urging restoration, the commissioners adopted the Josephine County 4‑H Extension Service District 2025–26 budget but amended the resolution to levy 0¢ per $1,000 and draw about $435,000 from fund balance; vote 2–1.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Josephine County commissioners approve budgets, annexations and routine actions

Josephine County trims proposed cuts, increases sheriff funding to restore 24/7 patrols

Josephine County approves OSU Extension 2025–26 budget but sets levy at $0, citing reserve funds