Shelter Levy Passes 2-0 at Weekly Business Session, Heads to Ballot
The Animal Control and Animal Shelter Local Option Tax is headed to the May 19th ballot. The Josephine County Board of Commissioner's 10 a.m. Weekly Business Session began with a presentation regarding the role of Animal Control and the Shelter in the community, their need for support, and their levy proposal for the next election. Citizens present were both for and against the levy. The board voted 2-0, with Commissioner Gary Richardson not casting a vote, to move the measure for the Local Option Tax in support of the two departments to the May 19th ballot. Richardson proposed a one cent decrease on the levy with senior fees reduced, but after the vote, wanted the public to know he was in support of the levy passing. During the public comment period, topics included support of the board, an idea to pair shelter animals with inmates, questions about recently hired positions, the homeless population, county monies, the SRS Fund, and the airport. The board approved the consent calendar, then adjourned the meeting at 11:01 a.m.
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BCC to Vote on Shelter Tax at WBS, Approved Plat Map, Appointed Chair, Vice Chair
The new Josephine County Board of Commissioners held their first official workshop in the BCC Conference Room. The board commenced by appointing Commissioner Ron Smith as Chair of the Board, and Colene Martin as the Vice Chair. Next on the agenda was a presentation of Animal Control and the Animal Shelter regarding a measure potentially moving to the May 19th ballot. Services have been reduced due to lack of funding, and the Levy Proposal would provide 16 cents per $1000 assessed property value; about $3.20 a month. The board will vote on if the measure goes to the May Election at their Weekly Business Session. The board approved the upcoming Finance and Budget Calendar, then moved to support Community Justice's travel request for training and NatCon 2026 in Colorado. A previous amendment to a Treatment Court Foundation Agreement was corrected and approved, and the board moved in favor of two intergovernmental agreements for the Oregon Health Authority Agreement and Tort Liability Coverage, both covered via pass through dollars.
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Accused Embezzler of Builder’s Association of Southern Oregon Arrested & Jailed
The Medford Police Thursday arrested and lodged former CEO the Builder’s Association of Southern Oregon, Bradly Bennington and lodged him in the Jackson County Jail. In October of 2025, The Association contacted the Medford Police Department regarding a potential employee theft. Representatives reported Bennington was believed to have embezzled a significant sum of money from the organization over a period of years. MPD detectives were provided the findings of a financial forensic audit conducted on behalf of the Builder’s Association. Detectives reviewed the audit and conducted an independent investigation, which included serving numerous subpoenas at multiple banking institutions.Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined that approximately $100,000 had been embezzled. Based on the evidence gathered, detectives determined that criminal activity had occurred. The case was subsequently briefed with the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
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