No quorum at Josephine County business session; meeting held for information only

An unidentified Josephine County commissioner opened the board's weekly business session on Jan. 21, 2026, then announced the board did not have a quorum and that no formal votes or policy actions would take place.

"With 1 seat vacant and 1 commissioner not participating, the board does not presently have a quorum," the commissioner said, noting that Commissioner Ron Smith was absent and that "position number 1" on the three-member board remains vacant. The commissioner said they had "received written notice from commissioner Ron Smith stating that he has chosen to take vacation and that he will not be attending board meetings during the period," and that efforts to fill the vacancy had not succeeded.

Under the Josephine County Charter, a quorum is required for the board to take formal legislative or policy actions, including "ordinances, resolutions, appointments, or contracts requiring board approval," the commissioner said. "Because a quorum is not present, no such actions will be taken at today's meeting."

The speaker said they had made "repeated efforts" over the last 47 days to work with Commissioner Smith to appoint a qualified individual to the vacant seat so the board could maintain a quorum and resume normal business. The commissioner added that, in the meantime, they would ensure "administrative oversight and ensuring that essential county services continue without interruption."

The meeting was held "for informational, administrative, and transparency purposes only," the commissioner said, and concluded when the commissioner adjourned the session at 9:03 a.m. The commissioner said matters requiring formal board action would be addressed when a quorum is restored.

No motions, votes, appointments, or contract approvals were taken at the session because the board lacked the legal quorum required by the county charter.