Josephine County commissioners adopt new planning fees, transfer property to Cave Junction and approve supplemental budget

The Josephine County Board of County Commissioners met April 1, 2026, in Grants Pass and approved a package of administrative actions that included a new planning fee schedule, a property transfer to the City of Cave Junction, a final plat adjustment for 210 Tacoma and a supplemental county budget.

Ruth Nelson, Josephine County finance director, presented Board Order No. 2026-019 proposing a uniform procedure and revised fee schedule for Community Development (Planning). Nelson said the fees had been publicly posted in advance and, if adopted, would take effect May 1, 2026, to support implementation and administration of a new ordinance. Simon Hare of Grants Pass testified in opposition, saying higher fees could worsen housing affordability and requesting a clearer, more detailed public presentation of the schedule. The board then voted 3–0 to adopt the order, with Commissioner Colene Martin moving, Commissioner Gary Richardson seconding and both joining Chair Ron Smith in a unanimous roll-call vote.

Helen Lulich, Josephine County property manager, asked the board to approve Board Order No. 2026-012 to transfer a county-owned parcel — acquired through tax foreclosure — to the City of Cave Junction. The city identified the parcel as a retention pond serving an existing commercial development and requested the transfer so it could properly operate and maintain the infrastructure. The board approved the transfer in a unanimous roll-call vote.

Lulich also presented a final plat for a lot line adjustment at 210 Tacoma. She said the resulting parcel will be about 7.44 acres and include the existing building, water infrastructure and shared access easements. Staff reported the project was completed under budget and that proceeds from the sale will reimburse the county’s property reserve fund; closing is anticipated on or before May 1, 2026. The board approved the plat adjustment by the same 3–0 vote.

Nelson presented Resolution No. 2026-004, the county’s second supplemental budget for fiscal year 2025–2026. She said most adjustments reallocate existing appropriations across departments; a modest net increase was described as necessary to support program implementation and staffing. Nelson noted that the county received an extension for a FireWise grant through December 2026, which the supplemental budget enables the county to continue using for program activities. The resolution was adopted 3–0.

During the public comment period, a string of residents raised local concerns: calls for stronger code enforcement on West Picket (Dutch Kaswell and others), interest from residents in purchasing Pipe Fork for recreational use (Chaz Rogers and Cheryl Brewner), questions about Solid Waste mitigation and a draft contract (Konnor Kirkpatrick), calls for greater transparency and improved press releases and public information staffing (Matt Spurlock and Mark Jones), and an objection to a named individual in recent Solid Waste discussion (Victor). The minutes record that “the Board addressed public comments,” but do not attribute a substantive policy response to a specific commissioner.

The board approved the consent calendar, covering minutes and routine reports, by roll call, and adjourned the session at 9:40 a.m. Commissioner Martin wished the public a Happy Easter; Chair Ron Smith cautioned about the coming fire season.

Votes at a glance: - Board Order No. 2026-019 (Community Development/Planning fee schedule): motion by Commissioner Colene Martin; second by Commissioner Gary Richardson; vote Richardson — yes, Martin — yes, Smith — yes; outcome: approved (3–0). - Board Order No. 2026-012 (transfer of county property to City of Cave Junction): motion by Commissioner Gary Richardson; second by Commissioner Colene Martin; vote Richardson — yes, Martin — yes, Smith — yes; outcome: approved (3–0). - 210 Tacoma final plat property line adjustment: motion by Commissioner Gary Richardson; second by Commissioner Colene Martin; vote Richardson — yes, Martin — yes, Smith — yes; outcome: approved (3–0). - Resolution No. 2026-004 (supplemental budget FY 2025–2026, includes FireWise extension): motion by Commissioner Gary Richardson; second by Commissioner Colene Martin; vote Richardson — yes, Martin — yes, Smith — yes; outcome: approved (3–0).

What’s next: The fee schedule takes effect May 1, 2026, per the adopted order. The county expects the 210 Tacoma sale to close on or before May 1, 2026; the supplemental budget permits continued use of the FireWise grant through December 2026. The county did not record additional scheduled hearings on the minutes for these items at this meeting.