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Sheriff authorized to auction seized items; county to continue DEA drug take‑back program
Summary
The board approved the sheriff's request to auction approximately 40 seized items and authorized participation in the DEA drug take‑back program (drop box). County staff explained how proceeds are distributed under Oregon law and that the federal program supplies drop boxes and pays for shipping.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 30 authorized the sheriff’s recommendation to auction seized property and approved participation in a federal drug take‑back program that supplies a drop box for the sheriff’s office lobby.
Sheriff’s auction
County staff said about 40 seized items collected over recent years are ready for auction, including trailers, pumps and generators from forfeited drug‑operation cases. Public works agreed to handle the auction logistics. The board approved the authorization to proceed.
Proceeds and allowable uses
Staff explained that proceeds from state‑level forfeitures are allocated under Oregon law: the sheriff’s office retains a portion (discussed in the meeting as roughly half) that is typically used for training and equipment; the state receives a share directed to drug‑treatment and related programs. By contrast, staff said federal forfeiture proceeds can yield a higher retained percentage for the local law enforcement agency (roughly 85% in federal cases).
DEA drug take‑back program
The board also approved county participation in a DEA‑sponsored take‑back program that provides a secure drop box in the sheriff’s lobby. Staff said the federal program supplies the container and pays for periodic shipping; county staff package surrendered medications as required but do not pay postage. The program is intended for safe, anonymous disposal of unused or expired prescription medications.
Action and votes
- Motion to authorize sheriff’s auction recommendation: approved (Smith — Yes; Barnett — Yes; Black — Yes). - Motion to participate in DEA drug take‑back program (drop box in lobby): approved (Smith — Yes; Barnett — Yes; Black — Yes).
Why it matters: The auction converts forfeited property into funds that may support training or treatment programs. The take‑back program reduces unused medication in households and provides a secure, no‑questions‑asked disposal option for residents.
Provenance
- Topic intro excerpt: “I'm bringing to the table for authorization to to sell those that we've seized over the last 4 years.” - Topic finish excerpt: Roll call: “Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Barnett? Yes. Mister Black? Yes. Motion carried, 3 to 0.”
