Board Disagreed on Appointing Process during Workshop

During today's County Administration Workshop, the board disagreed on the Vacant Position Appointing process. Before adjourning the meeting, Commissioner Chris Barnett said, because of a quorum, both Commissioners had the right to appoint to the position. Commissioner Ron Smith said Legal Counsel has already advised that the two of them aren't a part of the process anymore. Barnett disagreed. Appointment meetings for the vacancy are scheduled for 10 a.m. on January 14th and 15th. During other matters, Barnett asked if Smith would be interested in discussing the 32 applicants for the vacant board seat, but Smith declined. When Barnett asked if Smith has secured an attorney, Smith said, "No comment." At the beginning of the meeting, the board moved to approve the renewal of a Grant Agreement for the Boys and Girls Club with dollars passed through their prevention department. The grant will help support Smart Moves, a curriculum program designed to teach local kids valuable skills and to avoid risky behaviors via targeted programs and interactive learning. ...Read more

Temporary Board Meeting Cancelled Until Recall Election Certification

Today's meeting of the Temporary Board of Other Elective Administrative Officers has been cancelled. In a statement from Josephine County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks, he says, "Pursuant to state law, the Josephine County Clerk is still tabulating the results of the January 6, 2026, recall election. The election result remains unofficial until the election is certified. The Clerk is eligible to participate in the Temporary Board of Other Elective Administrative Officers only after certifying the election, which can occur on January 28, 2026, at the soonest. The Josephine County Charter requires the inclusion of the Clerk as a member of the Temporary Board. To comply with that requirement, the January 12, 2026, meeting of the Temporary Board of Other Elective Administrative Officers has been canceled. The meeting will be scheduled for a date and time following the certification of the election." ...Read more

Rob Pell Elected Grants Pass City Council President

Rob Pell was elected President of the City Council for the calendar year 2026 on a 4 to 3 vote. Rick Riker was voted in as vice-president. The Grants Pass City Council approved an ordinance amending the city’s development code. The amendment allows new residential developments with alley-facing garages to reduce the front setback to a minimum of 10 feet, reducing the minimum of 20 feet. The amendment was passed with the goal of encouraging developers to build more housing units. A second ordinance was passed amending the municipal code to better address public safety risks associated with open flames and flammable materials in parks and exclusion orders. The amendment effectively clarifies the definitions of flammable material and cooking devices, allow the seizure and destruction of flammable materials and devices plus allow officers to designate a first offense a violation and the City Attorney to designate any ...Read more