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County approves routine contracts, appoints interim HR director and discusses restructuring and AI pilots
Summary
At the June 30 Administration Workshop, Josephine County commissioners approved an IGA amendment, a fuel-station change order, purchase approvals and an interim HR appointment, and discussed separation of IT and Emergency Management and AI pilot projects.
Josephine County commissioners used their June 30 Administration Workshop to approve a series of routine administration actions, appoint an interim human resources leader and discuss organizational and technology matters.
The Board approved Amendment No. 2 to IGA No. PO-44000-00020617 with the State of Oregon to allow the Assessor's Office to continue providing manufactured-home transaction services on behalf of the Department of Consumer and Business Services; the motion was moved by Commissioner Colene M. Martin and seconded by Commissioner Gary L. Richardson and recorded as approved 3-0.
Other approvals recorded at the meeting included the Old Fuel Station Decommission Change Order (additional $29,810.72), and the previously budgeted purchase of replacement self-propelled street brooms (approved 3-0). The Board approved the Josephine County Circuit Court's application to use the Anne G. Basker Auditorium on July 15, 2026, without objection.
Commissioners appointed Natalie Eckhardt-Doupe as Interim Human Resources Director by a 3-0 roll-call vote. Commissioner Gary L. Richardson also reported that he has begun evaluating pilot projects using automation and artificial intelligence to reduce repetitive administrative tasks and said the intention is to assist employees while maintaining human oversight.
The Board discussed but did not finalize a proposed Board Order separating Information Technology and Emergency Management into independent departments; additional review was requested. The Board also directed staff to prepare a revised Board Order extending the suspension on accepting new mining permit applications for an additional three months while competing ordinance drafts and litigation are reviewed.
Votes at a glance: - Amendment No. 2 to IGA No. PO-44000-00020617 with State of Oregon (Assessor services): Passed 3-0 (motion by Commissioner Martin; second by Commissioner Richardson). - Old Fuel Station Decommission Change Order (+$29,810.72): Passed 3-0. - Payment of current Robco invoice: Approved; broader exemption request deferred for further review with Public Works Director (record contains ambiguous language about permanent exemption). - Purchase of replacement self-propelled brooms (budgeted for FY 2026-27): Approved 3-0. - Anne G. Basker Auditorium rental request (Josephine County Circuit Court, 7/15/26): Approved without objection. - Appointment of Natalie Eckhardt-Doupe as Interim Human Resources Director: Approved 3-0. - Board Order No. 2026-039 (separate IT and Emergency Management functions): Discussion only; no final action (tabled for further review). - Board Order No. 2026-020 (suspend acceptance of mining permit applications): Board directed staff to prepare revised order to extend the suspension for three months.
The Board adjourned at 2:30 p.m.; several items were tabled for additional staff work and will return to a future Administration Workshop.
