The latest chapter in the ongoing battle over the Josephine Community Library District is set to unfold on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, when the Board of County Commissioners will review Mike Pelfrey’s second attempt to withdraw properties from the district. This follows a series of controversial events dating back to May 2023 and continuing through December 2024.
In May 2023, Mike Pelfrey—a far-right activist—and Paul Schaafsma, a leader within the Josephine County Republican Party, both ran for seats on the Library Board. Both lost, much to the relief of library supporters, as they were seen as adversaries to the district. Pelfrey has since gained notoriety for his combative public statements and frequent use of profane emails targeting local government officials and anyone opposing his views.
Pelfrey’s first withdrawal attempt in late 2023, which was supported by former Commissioner John West and Commissioner Herman Baertschiger, ignited controversy. Pelfrey and West worked to gather support for a petition that would have allowed properties to be withdrawn from the Library District. However, they ignored a critical provision in state law (ORS 198.870), which stipulates that properties can only withdraw from a district if they cannot feasibly receive services from that district. Given that libraries now provide digital services, it is nearly impossible to argue that a property cannot access library services unless it lacks electricity and internet—a rare situation in most of Josephine County.
Despite these legal challenges, the County Commissioners initially approved Pelfrey’s withdrawal petition. The Library District quickly filed a lawsuit, resulting in a legal settlement in which the County admitted it had made errors in both the procedural aspects and the decision to approve the petition. The County then corrected its procedures, but the state law surrounding withdrawals remained unchanged.
In December 2024, after West was overwhelmingly recalled by voters for his actions, Pelfrey submitted a second withdrawal petition with 100 valid signatures from district voters. This petition is set to be heard by the County Commissioners on February 5, 2025. Legal experts agree that Pelfrey’s second attempt is unlikely to meet the legal criteria for withdrawal, making it another potential waste of time and resources for both the County and the Library District.
Further complicating the matter, former Commissioner West, who was also involved in the first withdrawal attempt, is expected to attend the hearing and continue his criticism of the Library District. Pelfrey’s petition has garnered support from various political figures, including Grants Pass Mayor Clint Scherf, State Representative Dwayne Yunker, and newly elected County Treasurer Mark DeYoung, though none of these figures have publicly commented on the petition.
This ongoing dispute has created a significant amount of tension within the local community. Many see the withdrawal attempts as part of a broader attack on the Library District, which has faced funding challenges since 2007, when the County began diverting property tax revenue meant for library support. If the Commissioners approve the withdrawal petition, the Library District is likely to pursue further legal action, adding to the financial and legal costs already incurred in this long-standing controversy.
As the February 5th meeting approaches, the Board of Commissioners will need to consult with their legal advisors to ensure that any decisions made are in compliance with state law. Given the history of legal challenges, it’s unclear whether Pelfrey’s withdrawal petition will ultimately succeed or be dismissed. For now, the debate over the future of the Josephine Community Library District continues to stir strong opinions in Josephine County.