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Josephine County commissioners approve easement, coordination letters and multiple personnel, planning and facility items
Summary
At the March 10, 2026 workshop the Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved an underground easement for T‑Mobile at 370 Bowhill Rd., Federal Land Use Coordination letters, three BOLI case recommendations, Williams appeal findings, personnel requisitions and two facility rentals; several operational items were discussed but not decided.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners met in workshop session on March 10, 2026, and approved a package of operational and legal actions, including an underground right‑of‑way easement for T‑Mobile West, LLC at 370 Bowhill Road and a set of Federal Land Use Coordination letters.
County Counsel Wally Hicks and Property Manager Helene Lulich presented the T‑Mobile easement request so the carrier could install a separate underground power and communications line on county property that already hosts two cell towers. Commissioner Colene Martin moved to approve the easement; Commissioner Gary Richardson seconded the motion. On roll call the board voted Richardson — yes; Martin — yes; Smith — yes. Motion carried 3–0.
The board approved Federal Land Use Coordination letters after discussion about notifying state representatives as well as federal agencies. Commissioner Ron Smith said he believed coordinated outreach could benefit the county; Commissioner Richardson asked that copies be sent to state delegations. Commissioner Colene Martin moved to approve the letters; the motion passed on a 3–0 vote.
Several other formal items were recorded as approved during the workshop. County Counsel presented three BOLI case recommendations (STEMPL250306‑60501, STEMWB250804‑61239, AGEMAG250417‑60485); the board approved those recommendations 3–0. Planning Director James Black and an attorney identified as Chase presented the Williams appeal findings of fact; Commissioner Richardson moved to approve the findings and the motion carried 3–0. Human Resources Director Michelle Shaw presented multiple personnel requisitions and personnel actions included in the meeting packet; the board recorded approvals. The board also approved two Anne Basker Auditorium rental applications, from the American Red Cross and from the Josephine County Circuit Court, by recorded motions and unanimous votes.
Airports staff presented a planned award for an Avgas fueling system at Illinois Valley Airport (see separate article). The board recorded direction for staff to provide a maintenance plan, noted a seven‑day protest period for the award and approved the concurrence without objection.
Items discussed but not concluded included a request from D'Amore Law Firm for a conflict waiver related to the county's opioid litigation; the board asked for a conversation with Tom D'Amore and agreed to return the item to the March 11, 2026 workshop. Commissioners also discussed a draft letter about O&C timber sale receipts and the BLM Western Oregon Timber Plan (public comment deadline March 23) and directed staff to prepare a revised draft for reconvening.
Votes at a glance - Underground right‑of‑way easement, T‑Mobile West, LLC (370 Bowhill Rd.): motion by Commissioner Colene Martin; second Commissioner Gary Richardson; vote 3–0; outcome: approved. - Federal Land Use Coordination Letters: motion by Commissioner Colene Martin; second Commissioner Gary Richardson; vote 3–0; outcome: approved. - BOLI case recommendations (STEMPL250306‑60501; STEMWB250804‑61239; AGEMAG250417‑60485): motion by Commissioner Colene Martin; second Commissioner Gary Richardson; vote 3–0; outcome: approved. - Williams appeal findings of fact: motion by Commissioner Gary Richardson; second Commissioner Colene Martin; vote 3–0; outcome: approved. - Anne Basker Auditorium rental applications (American Red Cross; Josephine County Circuit Court): motions recorded and approved 3–0.
What’s next The board scheduled further consideration of the D'Amore Law Firm conflict waiver at the next workshop and directed staff to return a revised draft letter about O&C timber sale receipts for the board's review before the March 23 BLM comment deadline.
