Local News

Despite the testimony of more than 30 citizens who requested the cancellation or postponement of tomorrow's auction of around 1,800 acres of timber properties in the Williams area -- including Pipe Fork -- the Josephine County Board of Commissioners still plan to move forward with the sale.

The Board moved quickly through four Administrative Action items on today's meeting agenda, which was followed by nearly two hours of public testimony from dozens of local residents including at least three children.

The Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Oregon for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $500,000 for the 2024 Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Program. County Property Manager Helene Lulich said the program is aimed at low- and moderate-income residents who live outside the City of Grants Pass, with a maximum of $25,000 available for eligible homeowners to repair their homes.

A related CDBG subrecipient agreement with Home Bridging to help administer the program was also approved by the Board.

In other business, the Board approved a service contract with Push Enterprises, Inc., for a bull-riding event during the 2025 Josephine County Fair. Recreation Director Tamra Martin said one of the advantages of moving the fair up one week next year is adding rodeo-style events such as this one to the mix of entertainment.

The Board also approved a Workers Compensation Non-Disabling Reimbursement Statement of $24,500, which Finance Director Sandy Novak said is designed to keep the County's workers compensation rates low.