Board Approved Proposed Administrative Policy Changes at WBS
Legal Counsel presented orders of Administrative Policies and Procedures, and their proposed changes to the Board of Commissioners. For Approval Authority Thresholds and Criteria, the policy will be repealed and replaced, with the main change being the lack of a liaison system. Changes to Advisory Bodies included removal of a line saying the board, when practicable, would be expected to communicate with the person no longer involved with the Advisory Committee. A line saying all appointments and removals to said committee prior to the end of the term shall be effectuated by board resolution was added. For Position Requisitions, if the position is budgeted, it will be considered approved. Personnel Actions will be delegated to department heads, Travel will be delegated to the finance director, and Animals in the Workplace will be approved on a discretionary basis. Motions in favor of all actions passed 3-0. The consent calendar was approved, and Commissioner Richardson gave a 5 Year Budget Projection Plan presentation. A graph showed Recurring Revenue and Operating Expenditures balanced for Fiscal Year 2027, but expenditures rose about 5% more each fiscal year than revenue, which showed 2.5% yearly growth.
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Josephine County Fair Announces 2026 Fair Entertainment Lineup
The Josephine County Fair is gearing up for the 2026 celebration packed with entertainment, family fun, and fair traditions plus free Fair admission every day. According to a release, this year’s fair promises four nights of headline entertainment in addition to daily attractions for the whole family. Kicking off the excitement on Wednesday, July 29th, the McCaslin Rough Stock Rodeo returns and is presented by McCaslin Rodeo. Fairgoers can expect an evening of bull riding, bronc riding, and classic rodeo competition. Thursday, July 30th, country star Clay Walker will take to the stage with chart-topping hits like What’s It to You, Live Until I Die, and If I Could Make a Living. The fun continues into Friday and Saturday with the Monster X Tour where 10,000 lb. car crushing trucks compete in racing, wheelies, and freestyle. Beyond the headline events, fairgoers can enjoy free nightly entertainment on the fair concert stage, plus daily Barnyard Races and Power’s Circus, all of which are free.
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Further Progress Made on West Jones Creek Fire, Remains at 17 Acres
Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the West Jones Creek Fire, which remains held at 17 acres after crews worked hard through the night to strengthen control lines and expand mop-up operations. The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District posted on Facebook, saying crews now have 50 to 75 feet mopped up in from the perimeter, and a hose lay installed last night is in place around the fire. Firefighters will use this access to further strengthen mop-up depth and secure the line throughout the day. Even with another round of hot, dry, and windy conditions expected, and the added challenge of steep terrain, crews are well-positioned to continue building on their strong overnight progress. Resources working the fire include four Type 6 engines, two 20-person hand crews, and one water tender. Firefighters will focus today on expanding mop-up, extinguishing remaining hot spots, and reinforcing containment.
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