Negotiating in Good Faith

What it means:
Negotiating in good faith requires honesty, preparation, and a genuine effort to reach a fair agreement. Parties must desire to reach an agreement and commit to meeting the deal terms. It’s not just a legal principle—it’s a matter of trust.

The Library Lease Problem:
At last week’s commissioner’s meeting, more confusion was created than clarity. Six months ago, the library’s lease was canceled. Now, the same commissioners say they want to “fix” the very problem they created.

Despite months of meetings, work sessions, and public input, commissioners arrived at the vote with unanswered questions and no clear consensus. This raises the question: Was there ever a true negotiation in good faith?

Key Issues:

  • The library is being asked to take on extra maintenance costs but given no long-term lease security. Without protections, the commissioners could cancel again after the library invests more money.
  • Tax funds once earmarked for the library were diverted into the general fund, leaving repairs undone. Now, the county wants the library to cover deferred maintenance anyway.
  • Other public service buildings enjoy $1 leases with 20 and 30-year leases—so why is the library being singled out?

Bottom Line:
This problem was created when the commissioners canceled the lease; now it appears they are unwilling to resolve it fairly. Without new protections, the library remains in the same cycle of instability.

PLUS:

At Josephine County Board of Commissioners, Chair Blech again ran his meeting afoul of Roberts Rules of Order, the legally mandated rules for running public meetings.

  • Commissioner Barnett made a motion to approve the lease as agreed to with the library. Commissioner Smith seconded. Chair Blech asked for discussion.
  • Smith had discussion explaining he wanted a different termination clause than was in the motion.
  • Blech then asked if he wanted to make a motion. Smith made a motion, and it was seconded by Blech.

What happened to Barnett’s motion that was on the table and seconded? This is the second week Blech has run afoul of Robert’s Rules of Order, and both times they surrounded the library.