Board approves two library-district annexations; citizens urge mining review and preview county fair

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved two landowner-initiated annexations into the Josephine Community Library District at its July 8, 2026 weekly session and heard several public comments on mining policy, county events and alleged legal concerns.

Commissioner Smith opened the annexation hearing for Board Order 2026-029 (Drake Loving Trust; 5.00 acres) and Board Order 2026-030 (Carlson, Daphne & Downes, Skylar; 7.97 acres). No members of the public spoke for or against the petitions. Commissioner Colene M. Martin moved to approve Board Order 2026-029 and Commissioner Gary L. Richardson seconded; the roll-call vote was Richardson—yes; Martin—yes; Smith—yes. The Board then approved Board Order 2026-030 by the same 3-0 roll-call vote. The public hearing closed at 5:36 p.m.

During the public-comment period, Stephen Fitch, a Josephine County resident, repeated concerns he has previously raised about alleged retaliation and violations of his constitutional rights involving local governmental entities and stated he intends to pursue the matter in federal court if the issues are not resolved. The Board did not record a formal response to Fitch during the session.

Jay Meredith, speaking for American Mineral Research, urged the Board to continue reviewing the County’s Mining Ordinance. Meredith said the existing ordinance ‘‘generally remains functional’’ but argued that prior Boards had not fully implemented its provisions; he recommended the County consider Mining Advisory Committee recommendations and emphasized the potential economic benefits and future revenue opportunities of responsible mineral development on County-owned lands.

Tamra Martin, Josephine County Fairgrounds Director, provided logistical details for the 2026 Josephine County Fair. She encouraged community participation in competitive exhibits, reviewed registration deadlines and highlighted the youth livestock auction, a Clay Walker concert, monster truck events and children’s activities. Martin confirmed that admission will remain free and that complimentary shuttle service will be available to attendees.

Michael Cope, a county resident and long-time local geology researcher, described the historical significance of mineral resources in Josephine County and urged the Board to continue evaluating opportunities for responsible mineral development as a potential long-term revenue source to support county services.

Earlier in the meeting Commissioner Richardson noted that the County Finance Department had published updated FTE staffing information and monthly public disbursement reports for public review. Commissioner Martin added that Finance staff reviewed invoices exceeding the County’s $50,000 approval threshold and found relatively few expenditures above that level.

The Board approved the consent calendar of minutes and journal items by a 3-0 roll-call vote and subsequently adjourned at 6:03 p.m.