Local News

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners this morning approved the first reading of an ordinance that changes wildfire and emergency safety standards as they pertain to new dwellings.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the first reading following a public hearing, and set the second reading and possible adoption for February 28th.

The ordinance would amend the Rural Land Development Code to the minimum requirements under Oregon law. Assistant Legal Counsel Stephanie Nuttall said the amendment removes the fire coverage requirement for new building permits in Josephine County. She added that it does not prevent property owners from contracting with a private fire protection service or annexing into an existing fire protection district. The Oregon Department of Forestry charges a fee to protect properties in designated forest zones.

Under Administrative Actions, the Board approved a resolution referring a five-year local option tax for the Animal Shelter and Animal Control to the May 21st ballot. Voters will decide whether to increase the current levy amount of 11 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value to 47 cents per thousand, with 27 cents going toward operations and 19 cents going toward physical improvements at the aging shelter. The physical improvement portion of the levy would end after a loan from Oregon Business Services is fully repaid.

In other business, the Commissioners approved an order transferring money from the Just Compensation Fund to the Law Enforcement Service District Fund, and they appointed Jamie Jones to a four-year term on the Grants Pass Airport Advisory Board.