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Commissioners separate IT and emergency management, pause mining permits and schedule radio communications workshop
Summary
The board approved Board Order 2026-039 to separate IT and Emergency Management departments and Board Order 2026-040 to suspend new mineral exploration and mining lease applications for three months while the ordinance is revised; 4-H IGA and fund matters were tabled and a radio communications workshop was scheduled for July 27.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved two board orders and addressed several administrative items at its July 7 workshop.
By motion, the board approved Board Order No. 2026-039 to separate Information Technology and Emergency Management into independent departments and to establish separate department director classifications. Commissioners said the change will improve organizational clarity after previous actions had combined those functions; the motion passed 3-0.
The board also approved Board Order No. 2026-040 to temporarily suspend the acceptance of applications for mineral exploration permits and mining leases while staff, Legal Counsel, the Forestry Director, and representatives of the Mining Advisory Committee evaluate revisions to the county's Mining Ordinance. Commissioner Colene M. Martin emphasized the goal of eliminating outdated provisions and resolving conflicting amendments to reduce potential legal liability. The suspension was extended for three months by a 3-0 vote.
On 4-H matters, the board reviewed an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District and Oregon State University and discussed the district's reserve fund balance and permissible uses. Commissioners concluded additional Legal Counsel and Finance Director review was necessary and tabled both the IGA and fund reauthorization to a future Legal Update session.
Commissioner Martin provided an update on the county's aging radio communications system and reported on research from neighboring counties about modernization options and funding. Commissioners agreed to begin by defining operational needs across departments that use the county radio network. By consensus the board directed staff to schedule a County Radio Communications Workshop for Monday, July 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 157.
