Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transitional Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board renews lease for Walker House transitional housing; county to continue program under subsidized terms
Summary
The board authorized renewal of the lease for the county’s transitional housing property at 1112 NE D Street (known as the Walker House). The lease is funded through state transitional housing funds (DOC, OHA); commissioners authorized the chair to sign the lease and accompanying property‑tax exemption application.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners authorized a renewal of the lease for a transitional‑housing property known as the Walker House (1112 NE D Street) and approved the chair signing related property tax‑exemption paperwork.
County staff said the county has leased the property since 2017 to provide a supervised, transitional residence for individuals released from jail or state correctional institutions. Community corrections staff described the lease as an important tool for reintegration, noting that the property accommodates people who often face difficulty finding market housing because of their criminal histories.
Why it matters: Transitional housing is a county partner resource that staff and commissioners described as critical to reducing recidivism and supporting reintegration. The county’s negotiated monthly rent for the property is reported below market and is funded through state transitional‑housing allocations passed through to the county.
Key details
- Lease amount and history: The renewal sets monthly rent at $1,400, an increase described in the meeting as $125 over the prior term. Staff said earlier years included no increases for several years; over time the county has seen smaller periodic increases. A Zillow market estimate cited in the discussion placed comparable rent at about $1,950 per month.
- Funding: Staff said the lease and associated operating costs are paid through transitional‑housing funds passed through from the Oregon Department of Corrections and the Oregon Health Authority.
- Purpose and partners: Community corrections and Welcome Home Oregon (WHO) help manage the property; staff said the partnership helps house a population that otherwise faces barriers to renting.
Action and vote
- Motion to authorize the chair to sign the lease renewal and the property‑tax exemption form passed on a recorded roll call (Smith — Yes; Barnett — Yes; Black — Yes). Outcome: approved (3–0).
Speakers
- Director presenting community corrections item (Director Hyde) — summarized lease history and funding source. - Commissioners Smith, Barnett and Black — voted to approve and authorized signature.
