During a recent government meeting, Deb Berg, a resident of Josephine County, raised critical questions regarding the future of local health services amid impending budget cuts. With the county facing a zero general fund allocation in the upcoming budget cycle, concerns were voiced about the potential loss of essential services, including restaurant and lodging inspections, as well as the impact on staffing levels within the Josephine County Health Department.

Berg specifically inquired about the timeline for these budget cuts and the number of jobs that might be affected. She emphasized the importance of maintaining local oversight, questioning whether the county would have to rely on state inspectors for restaurant evaluations if local inspectors were eliminated.

Additionally, Berg addressed the funding for a proposed 4-H replacement program, seeking clarity on how the county plans to reimburse staff for materials and time spent on educational initiatives. She expressed concerns about the originality of educational materials, citing a previous incident of plagiarism involving a beef quality assurance form.

The meeting also touched on the scheduling of a special 4-H meeting, with Berg questioning the lack of public notification regarding the event. She highlighted ongoing issues within the local fair system, including the fate of lightweight animals that did not sell at auction, and expressed her opposition to potential changes in the fair's schedule that could conflict with other county fairs.

The discussions underscored the challenges facing Josephine County as it navigates budget constraints while striving to maintain vital community services.