The Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved annexations to the Josephine Community Library District and an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that supports local home rehabilitation projects.
The Board started the meeting by holding a public hearing and then unanimously approving three annexations into the local library district. The three properties in the Merlin and Hugo areas increase the size of the service district by 25.56 acres.
The Commissioners held a second public hearing on applying for a CDBG grant from Business Oregon. Property Manager Helene Lulich testified that the County received a $500,000 grant in 2024 to fund the Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Program that helps low- to moderate-income residents in need of home repairs.
Program contractor Home Bridging GP reported that $270,000 of the grant has been spent so far as they move into repairing mobile homes. The contractor called the program "a blessing to the community" and said they stand ready to continue their work with additional grant funding. The Board approved the application.
Under Administrative Actions, the Commission approved the contract renewal with City-County Insurance Services, an invoice from the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials, an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Medford to assist with building inspections and electrical services, and an agreement with the Oregon Building Codes Division that streamlines the sharing of services and staff between municipalities throughout the state.
During the public comment period, former Juvenile Justice Director Jim Goodwin spoke against the "tyrannical" actions of the Board of Commissioners. Bill Hunker praised former Public Works Director Rob Brandes for his transparency this week on the Tuesday Talk Show on KAJO Radio. Other speakers applauded the efforts of the Board, but one person requested they "hurry" to approve the library lease.
