On November 21, 2024, the Josephine County Administration workshop tackled pressing issues, including staffing shortages, departmental updates, and proposed policy changes aimed at improving efficiency and operations.
A significant focus of the meeting was the county’s struggle to fill critical roles, particularly in the Finance, District Attorney, and Community Development departments. A compensation study conducted by the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) revealed that the Director of Finance position’s salary is notably below market rates. RVCOG recommended a 20% regional salary adjustment to help the county remain competitive with larger jurisdictions such as Salem and Portland.
Departmental updates highlighted further challenges. The District Attorney’s Office continues to face staffing shortages, with two Deputy District Attorney positions remaining vacant. To address this, a summer clerk has been temporarily hired. In Mental Health, a Community Programs Coordinator position was approved, funded by state opioid settlement funds. Community Development saw the approval of an on-site septic inspector role, though Commissioner West expressed a desire to return the septic inspection program to state oversight due to ongoing backlogs and staffing issues. Discussions about a part-time septic inspector collaboration with Curry County were postponed for further evaluation.
A notable proposal came from Commissioner Blech, who suggested creating a Public Service Efficiency Director position. This role would focus on identifying redundancies, improving operations, and addressing budgetary concerns across the county. While the proposal was met with some support, concerns were raised regarding potential overlap with existing roles and increased administrative costs. The matter was tabled for refinement and review by the incoming Board of Commissioners.
Additional policy updates included the removal of restrictions on outside employment for county staff, granting employees more freedom to pursue external work. Discussions about implementing a sick leave policy for non-union employees remain ongoing, while a new memo will clarify communication protocols between department directors and the Board of County Commissioners.
Josephine County also celebrated a significant achievement, receiving the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for excellence in financial planning. Looking ahead, the county plans to refine the proposed efficiency director role, explore returning septic inspections to state control, and consult legal counsel on pending policy changes.
