Grants Pass, March 12, 2025— The Josephine Community Library District board wishes to clarify that it has not canceled the negotiation meeting originally scheduled with the Josephine County Board of Commissioners for Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Contrary to some recent statements, the library board remains committed to participating in a good-faith discussion on the future of the library lease.
“We have not canceled the meeting on Thursday,” said Josephine Community Library Board President Gina Marie Agosta. “We fully intend to be there at 10:30 a.m., as agreed. Our vice-president and I have arranged to take time from our workdays, so we’d hope the county shows up as expected. We’re still waiting to hear exactly what it is the commissioners want.”
The library district itself has issued a public notice for this joint session to ensure full transparency and public awareness of the status of the lease negotiations.
Confusion may stem from the library’s attorney suggesting that the county, after indicating a desire to increase rent, should propose actual terms rather than expecting the library to “bid against itself.” “Suggesting that the library canceled the meeting overlooks that we are simply awaiting a clear rental proposal from the county”, said Board President Gina Marie Agosta.
The Josephine County Charter mandates that commissioners “provide for the support and maintenance of the main library and its branches.” Library officials emphasize that any changes to the longstanding $1-per-year lease—which has allowed the county to fulfill its charter obligation at minimal cost—should be introduced openly to the board and the public.
“We’re awaiting clear, detailed terms,” said Board President Gina Marie Agosta. “The community deserves a transparent process, and our board is ready to review any proposal the county brings forward. Until then, we will be there on Thursday morning, prepared to discuss how best to protect and maintain these essential library services for Josephine County residents.”
In the event the Board of County Commissioners does not attend, the Library Board will convene outside the Anne G. Basker Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. to provide a press conference, ensuring the public remains informed about the status of these negotiations.
Community members are encouraged to attend the March 13 meeting or continue making their voices heard by contacting the County Commissioners at bcc@josephinecounty.gov.