Sheriff’s substation relocation deferred
From our weekly issue dated June 18, 2008
After much planning and months of clean-up and painting by volunteers, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is anxious to relocate its Illinois Valley Substation into the Cave Junction City Hall basement, which would include a temporary holding facility.
The move to the former location of what was the city jail at Lister Street and Kerby Avenue would relieve the sheriff’s office of the operational fee at the Josephine County Bldg. in Downtown Cave Junction. But the county board of commissioners is concerned about the “domino effect” that could result from the sheriff vacating the site.
During the county board’s administration meeting Friday, June 13 at the courthouse in Grants Pass, the commissioners voted 3-0 to exempt one JCSO position from the layoff deadline of Sunday, June 15. This provides JCSO the ability to retain that position through negotiation of a contract with the city of Cave Junction.
Click here to learn more about how you can tell us what you think
The city has budgeted $100,000 for law enforcement service. Part of the proposed contract requires that the city provide an office space and telephone for on-duty deputies. An earlier pact was terminated by the city because it was not receiving the 40 hours of service per week for which it contracted.
Undersheriff Don Fasching explained that the contracted deputy would patrol primarily within the city limits. But he also would be used outside the city within Illinois Valley. It was anticipated that the contract would be formalized by early this week.
Advertisement:
The commissioners have asked that JCSO not move any telecommunications lines until after funding questions are answered at the Nov. 4 election. Cost has been estimated at nearly $12,000 to relocate telephone and high-speed computer lines.
Meanwhile, the board has begun to explore options for new tenants to help recover some part of the yearly $24,000 in maintenance and utility costs associated with the Cave Junction facility.
