Councilors, city administrator push back on rumors of a sanctioned homeless camp

A resident at the Sept. 3 meeting asked whether reports that Vernonia planned a homeless shelter or sanctioned camping were true. “It was a rumor that started as, like, 0.5 truth,” City Administrator Josette said, describing earlier council work on contingency locations and how a recent court decision affected local options.

Josette told the council the old photo-solution site near the Sewer Headworks on California Avenue had been discussed as a potential publicly owned location in earlier, preliminary planning. She said the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision changed how cities could respond, requiring procedural protections such as 72 hours’ notice before moving people and holding belongings for 30 days. Josette urged residents to read the Grants Pass decision and to bring concerns to city hall rather than rely on social media.

Resident Mark Bazar said chatter and misinformation have circulated in the community and asked whether a shelter or sanctioned campsite was coming to town. Mayor Hobart and other council members responded that no shelter was imminent, reiterated procedural limits on passing new rules (public posting requirements), and offered staff contact information for follow-up. Josette also noted the city had covered the topic in a local newspaper earlier in the summer and that staff would provide public information to reduce confusion.