Commissioners approve Illinois Valley Fire District fee waiver; residents press county on homelessness, notice and security at recent rallies

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved a request for a fee waiver from the Illinois Valley Fire District and heard a range of public comments about homelessness, agenda posting and a security incident at a May 1 rally.

Administrative action: The board approved a building-permit fee waiver for the Illinois Valley Fire District project in Selma. Cameron Smiley, representing the Illinois Valley Fire District, told the board the district "is in the process of building a building in Selma" and that the district "responds to fire, rescue, medical, and standby incidents with no cost reimbursement or fees charged. We're just asking the county to do the same." Commissioner Ron Smith moved to approve the waiver; the motion was seconded (seconder's name not specified on the record). On roll call, Smith voted yes, Commissioner Barnett was excused, and Commissioner Black voted yes. The motion carried with two affirmative votes; the waiver was approved.

Public comment highlights: Residents used the…