Commissioner Barnett Contradicted by Email Evidence on Fire Risk Clean-Up Plans

A recent article in the Daily Courier raised serious questions about statements made by Commissioner Chris Barnett regarding fire mitigation efforts in the Dollar Mountain area, where recent fires have been linked to homeless encampments. Local resident concerns prompted Barnett to claim that no cleanup plans had been in place. However, former Josephine County Development Director Mark Stevenson says otherwise.

Stevenson, who was abruptly fired on April 1, stated that detailed plans were already underway by late March to address the encampments. His account is supported by a March 31 email he sent to Barnett, outlining coordination with the railroad, local law enforcement, and property owners. The plans also included cost assessments and steps toward obtaining trespass orders.

Following Stevenson’s dismissal, the entire code enforcement staff was also terminated, halting progress. Commissioner Barnett later deflected responsibility by asserting that code enforcement falls under the sheriff’s office. The discrepancy between Barnett’s public comments and documented evidence has sparked new concerns about transparency and public safety leadership within the county.