Commissioners decline to approve $13,094 out‑of‑state travel without more details; item deferred

Josephine County commissioners discussed a proposal to send two community‑justice staff to the National Council for Well‑being’s NatCon 2026 conference and the Management Academy that precedes it. Director Hyde described the training as a four‑day management academy focused on middle‑management skills, recruitment and retention, financial literacy and evidence‑based practices and said the estimated cost is $13,094, noting some hotel costs were listed as reduced and the figure is therefore an estimate.

Hyde told commissioners the travel is accounted for in the prevention division’s training budget and that staff believe it will cost the county no general‑fund dollars. Commissioners asked for direct input from the two proposed attendees — identified in the packet as Sean Martinez and Robin — and requested exact registration and hotel cost details and the registration deadline before approving payment.

A commissioner moved to approve the out‑of‑state travel authorization, but no one seconded the motion. Chair Commissioner Chris Barnett said he was not comfortable approving the amount without hearing directly from the attendees and asked staff to return the item to a future agenda with Sean Martinez and Robin present. Staff agreed to confirm registration deadlines and to provide whatever additional information the board requests.

Because the motion received no second, the travel authorization did not carry; the board agreed to revisit the request with more information.