Local News

The short-handed Josephine County Board of Commissioners this morning approved land sale contracts on two properties that were not sold during a November 2024 Sheriff's Auction.

The Board voted 2-0 to approve the order for the sale of properties at 12100 Redwood Highway for $36,000 and 106 East O'Brien Street for $20,230. Vice-Chair Chris Barnett was absent and excused.

The Commission failed to approve orders concerning properties at 1375 Fish Hatchery Road near Wilderville and Coyote Creek Road in Wolf Creek after a public hearing. Property Manager Helene Lulich testified it was the first step in preparing the properties for sale after they had been acquired through foreclosure on delinquent tax liens.

During the hearing, two representatives from American Mineral Research objected to the sale of the Spotted Fawn Mine on Coyote Creek as they believe the County should not sell properties that have potential mineral resources. Commissioner Ron Smith said he wanted to give AMR an opportunity to survey the property before it is sold and added that to his motion. Chair Andreas Blech refused to give a second.

During the public comment period, the Board heard from a woman who voiced her opposition to the religious invocation at the beginning of weekly business sessions. Several people spoke in support of the Josephine Community Library District, with one woman stating that around 25,000 people hold library cards, another woman talking about the importance of libraries to childhood reading and a third woman who spoke about upcoming library events including the Summer Reading Program.

Others who provided public comment included former Juvenile Justice Director Jim Goodwin who spoke against the voluntary retirement program and the budget process. His was among several complaints regarding the proposed budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year.