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Josephine County commissioners refer animal shelter tax measure to May 19 ballot

Board of County Commissioners (Josephine County) · March 1, 2026

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Summary

After a presentation from the county animal shelter manager and more than a dozen public comments, the Board of County Commissioners voted to refer a local-option tax for the Josephine County Animal Shelter and animal control to the May 19, 2026 election; the motion passed with two yes votes and one abstention.

The Josephine County Board of County Commissioners voted to place a local-option tax measure to fund the county animal shelter and animal control on the May 19, 2026 ballot.

Laura Jansen, Josephine County Animal Shelter Manager, presented a PowerPoint outlining the proposal and its purpose. After the presentation the board opened the meeting to public comment, and multiple residents spoke both in favor of and opposed to the levy. Supporters cited community need for shelter and animal-control services; at least one speaker opposed the tax and one urged that shelter funding come from county government rather than a new levy.

Commissioner Colene Martin moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-001, referring the measure to voters; Commissioner Ron Smith seconded the motion. Commissioner Gary Richardson abstained from the roll-call vote; Martin and Smith voted yes and the motion carried. The resolution refers a local-option tax measure for animal shelter and animal control to the May 19, 2026 election.

During public comment, speakers in favor included Kay Cortapassi, Nancy Linguist (who referenced Trap, Neuter, Return programs), Raleigh Smith, Deb Berg, Connor Kirkpatrick, Jennifer Roberts, Merilyn Gill and others. Victor J spoke in opposition to the levy. John West said he supports the shelter but prefers county-funded solutions rather than a tax levy. Several speakers also addressed airport staffing and related infrastructure questions during the public-comment period.

Commissioner Gary Richardson asked for clarification about 'SRS' in relation to airport funds; Ruth Nelson, Finance Director, provided a response recorded in the minutes. After action on the animal-tax resolution, the board proceeded to approve its consent calendar and continued other routine business.

The board’s vote refers the measure to Josephine County voters; further administrative steps (ballot language, election filing and implementation details) will follow according to county election procedures.