For over nine months, Josephine County employees have been working without a current contract as negotiations between the county and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) remain deadlocked. What began as a routine labor dispute has escalated into a contentious issue, exposing glaring inequities in the county’s pay structure and raising critical questions about fairness, transparency, and leadership priorities.
The expiration of the previous contract left many blue-collar county employees—bus drivers, public works staff, public health workers, and courthouse employees—without essential cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). These adjustments are particularly crucial in a time of rising inflation, which has stretched household budgets to the breaking point. Despite compelling needs, the county forced these employees into mediation, a process intended to resolve disputes impartially, only to reject the agreement it had initially accepted. This has left workers in limbo, unsure of when or if their financial struggles will be addressed.
Meanwhile, the county’s financial decisions suggest a stark disconnect between its stated fiscal constraints and its actual spending practices. Managers and commissioners have received significant pay increases, with commissioners voting to raise their own salaries significantly in 2024. These actions starkly contrast with the county’s refusal to approve modest COLA adjustments for the employees who are essential to the community’s daily operations.
One particularly controversial example involves Sandy, the county’s HR and finance director, who reportedly received a $45,000 annual pay increase. This figure is a staggering sum when compared to the relatively modest adjustments sought by frontline workers.
Sandy’s name is not new to county politics. She played a key role in exposing the inappropriate conduct of former Commissioner Dan DeYoung, whose infamous “sit on my lap” comment ultimately led to his resignation. While Sandy’s actions in holding DeYoung accountable were questionable in itself, the timing and size of her pay increase have sparked additional concerns. Is this a reward for her role in addressing the DeYoung scandal, or is there a more political motive behind her significant raise?
For the county’s blue-collar employees, the situation is a bitter pill to swallow. These workers are not asking for extravagance; they are simply seeking wages that keep pace with the rising cost of living, enabling them to support their families while continuing to serve the community. Yet their requests are met with claims of budgetary limitations—even as the county seemingly finds the resources to reward its upper management and elected officials.
Adding to the controversy is the case of Michael Sellers, who was appointed as the county’s Technology/Emergency Services Director over a year ago. Sellers has continued to work full-time for the State of Oregon while holding his county position, earning $7,139 per month in a dual role. Public records indicate he splits his time equally between serving as Chief of Staff for Senator Art Robinson and as Legislative Assistant III under Senator Brian Boquist and receives additional salaries for each role. This revelation raises additional concerns about transparency, oversight, and accountability within county leadership.
Josephine County residents are right to demand answers. How can the county justify significant pay raises for managers and commissioners while refusing to provide modest increases to its essential workers? Are these decisions driven by the community’s best interests, or by favoritism and self-interest?
This situation calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the county’s financial priorities and decision-making processes. The public deserves transparency and accountability from its leaders, especially when their decisions affect the livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to serve the community.
This is not merely a labor dispute; it is a matter of moral and ethical importance that challenges the foundation of what it means to have a fair and equitable community. The backbone of Josephine County is not found in the commissioners’ meeting room or a manager’s corner office—it is in the everyday workers who keep the county running, often underpaid and undervalued.
The time for silence has passed. Josephine County residents must demand accountability from their leaders and advocate for the workers who have been ignored for far too long. These employees deserve more than empty words; they deserve respect, fairness, and wages that reflect their vital contributions to the community.