A peaceful assembly took place outside the Josephine County Courthouse yesterday as residents gathered to express their strong opposition to the newly elected County Commissioners’ decision to charge the Josephine Community Library rent or face eviction within 30 days. The controversial move has left many local residents, library supporters, and community leaders reeling, questioning the motives behind the decision and its potential long-term impact on the area’s most essential public resource.
The vote to charge rent or evict the library was passed with a unanimous 3-0 decision, supported by newly elected Commissioners Chris Barnett and Ron Smith. The vote was scheduled and carried out quickly, despite Barnett’s attempt to table the item for further discussion. His motion to delay the vote, which could have provided an opportunity for a more thorough examination of the situation, was rejected by Commissioner John West, who was facing imminent dismissal following a recall vote. West, who was adamant about moving forward with the decision before his official certification of dismissal by County Clerk Henkles, made sure the vote occurred before his tenure ended. His decision to push through the agenda in his final hours has caused significant discontent among local residents, with many viewing it as a “parting shot” aimed at the library and the community.
Emotions ran high as concerned citizens gathered at the courthouse to voice their frustrations. Barnett, who was present at the scene, attempted to engage with the crowd, but was met with a mix of anger and disappointment. Several residents expressed their displeasure, calling the decision a grave mistake and threatening immediate recalls for both Barnett and Smith, the two commissioners who voted to approve the measure. Smith, however, was notably absent from the courthouse and was unreachable for comment.
Efforts to obtain statements from Barnett, Smith, and West were unsuccessful. Both Barnett and Smith have blocked this local media from reaching out to them on everything to include social media platforms, and West, despite being contacted for comment, failed to respond. The lack of communication has left residents feeling frustrated and disconnected from their elected officials, heightening tensions in the community. The lack of transparency surrounding the decision-making process has added fuel to the fire, as many residents believe that they were not given a fair opportunity to voice their concerns.
At the heart of the protest is the Josephine Community Library Foundation (JCLF), a nonprofit organization that supports the library system and ensures access to its essential services. The JCLF has expressed strong opposition to the commissioners’ decision to end the lease for the Grants Pass library branch. The current lease agreement, which is set to remain in effect until December 31, 2025, is being called into question. The foundation has stated that the decision to terminate the lease undermines the library’s long-term stability and jeopardizes its ability to serve the community.
Rebecca Stoltz, the Executive Director of the JCLF, voiced concerns over the potential consequences of the commissioners’ vote. “The Josephine Community Library Foundation has long been dedicated to ensuring a stable and thriving library system for our community,” Stoltz said in a statement. “This decision by the commissioners puts the future of the library at risk, and we believe that it was made without adequate public consultation. The library is a vital resource, and we urge the commissioners to reverse their decision and honor the lease agreement until its natural expiration in 2025.”
The library has long been a cornerstone of the community, providing access to books, educational resources, and public services that many residents rely on. With the threat of eviction now looming, the foundation and concerned citizens are calling for a reversal of the vote and a more transparent, inclusive process moving forward. The JCLF has encouraged library supporters to speak out and become involved in efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the library system.
While the future of the library hangs in the balance, the controversy over the eviction decision has sparked a wider conversation about transparency, accountability, and the role of public officials in serving their constituents. For many in Josephine County, this decision feels like a betrayal, as the library has been an integral part of the community for years.
As the situation unfolds, the Josephine Community Library Foundation and local residents are committed to fighting for the library’s future. They are calling on the commissioners to engage in meaningful dialogue with the public, to consider the library’s role in the community, and to reverse the vote that has so deeply divided the county. Until then, tensions remain high, and the future of the library remains uncertain.
