In a decision that has both baffled and angered residents of Josephine County, Commissioners John West and Herman Baertschiger have once again moved forward with their controversial strategy of consolidating county departments. This time, Public Health Emergency Preparedness has been merged with IT – Emergency Management, while Human Resources has been absorbed into the Finance Department. These seemingly illogical moves have sparked serious concerns about the future of essential county services and whether the commissioners are truly listening to the will of the people.
The timing of the Public Health consolidation is particularly troubling. Public Health Director Michael Webber is currently on protective leave, unable to defend himself or advocate for his department. Instead of waiting for his return, the commissioners decided to proceed with the changes, effectively silencing a key voice in the decision-making process. This has led many to question the transparency and fairness of the consolidation, as well as the commissioners’ commitment to the well-being of the community.
The logic behind placing Public Health under IT and Emergency Management is baffling to many observers. Public Health is a critical service that requires specialized knowledge and expertise, yet it is now being managed under departments that have little to no connection to healthcare. Similarly, the decision to place Human Resources under Finance raises questions about how employee relations and personnel matters will be handled in the future. The lack of clear rationale for these moves has left many residents feeling uneasy about the direction in which the county is headed.
Beyond the structural changes, there are deeper concerns about the people now overseeing these departments. Michael Sellers, who was already drawing three salaries from the state and county budget, now holds even more power under this new arrangement. Meanwhile, Sandy Novak appears to have secured favor from John West, a move that some believe is connected to her role in the controversial removal of former Commissioner Dan DeYoung. These developments have only fueled suspicions of cronyism and favoritism within the county government.
The addition of Andreas Blech to the mix has only intensified concerns about corruption and mismanagement. With West and Baertschiger at the helm, many residents fear that the county is heading down a dangerous path. The consolidation of departments and the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals have created an atmosphere of distrust and frustration among the public.
Perhaps most concerning is the potential impact on the county’s emergency readiness and public health services. By placing these critical functions under the control of individuals with little relevant experience, the commissioners have put the community at risk. The effectiveness of emergency management could be compromised, leaving the county vulnerable in times of crisis. Similarly, the future of the Public Health Department hangs in the balance, with many fearing that its ability to serve the community could be severely diminished.
As the commissioners continue to make decisions that seem to prioritize personal connections over the needs of the county, residents are left wondering how much more the community can endure. The consolidation of departments, the questionable appointments, and the lack of transparency have all contributed to a growing sense of unease in Josephine County. It remains to be seen how these changes will play out in the long term, but for now, the future of the county seems uncertain at best.
