Jeremy Barnett

The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. Discussions centered on appointments to the Department on Aging Advisory Council, including the nomination and approval of Robert Dangler for one of three openings, with the remaining two openings to be advertised further. The Medical Care Facility reported maintaining a five-star facility rating, noting specific improvements in quality and low nursing turnover rates compared to the market area. Financial reports for November and December 2025 were reviewed, highlighting revenue variances due to increased Medicaid rates but significant expense overages primarily driven by health insurance costs. Year-to-date 2025 financials showed a negative change in net position largely attributable to these health insurance expenses. The department also discussed strategies for managing self-funded health insurance costs for 2026. The Department on Aging reported on the first quarter of the grant year, noting statistics for home-delivered meals, attendees at the Crouch Center, and home services clients, with meal decreases partly attributed to inclement weather and a temporary change at a nutrition site. Community support, specifically from Eaton, for packing emergency meals was highlighted, alongside plans for the 2026 nutrition theme, 'Serving Up Solutions,' and Jackson County's role as the lead agency for Senior Project Fresh, aiming to improve coupon redemption rates.

The meeting included proceedings such as the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. A major topic of discussion during the public comment period, which followed the approval of the agenda, involved numerous residents petitioning the Board of Commissioners to withdraw Jackson County from the 287G Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Program. Speakers argued that participation in the program endangers constitutional protections, creates a climate of fear, wastes local resources, does not impact crime rates, and compromises public trust, citing negative examples from other jurisdictions. One speaker also requested the Board initiate a study to assess potential civil and fiscal liabilities associated with the 287G enrollment. The commissioners were also thanked for their work governing the county and supporting the Sheriff's Department, though support for cooperation with ICE was also voiced by some residents.

The study session focused on addressing public comments and discussing the Jackson County strategic plan development process. Public comments included inquiries regarding the potential lease agreement and tax implications for the Grow Jackson Food Hub, as well as questions about county management of the Armory property related to a state grant. The board also reviewed the high-level process for developing the county strategic plan, which involved auditing previous plans, interviewing officials, and extensive community engagement through the Drive Jackson initiative, which gathered input from over 1300 people. Discussions highlighted that economic opportunity and public safety were identified as top priorities for improving the community.

The meeting included preliminary discussions regarding flag placement according to US flag code. The primary focus during the public comment period was opposition to the county's 287g agreement with ICE. Speakers detailed concerns about potential violations of constitutional rights, due process, and the financial and legal liabilities for the county resulting from enforcing civil immigration warrants. Specific concerns included the lack of judicial safeguards for administrative warrants, anecdotal evidence of non-violent individuals being targeted, the negative impact on community trust leading to canceled local events, and specific instances where fear of ICE deterred residents from calling 911 for medical emergencies. One speaker also commented on perceived misuse of ARPA funds and administrative time-wasting tactics.

The meeting commenced after establishing a quorum, followed by a public comment period where no members addressed the board. The body proceeded to approve the minutes for the January study session. The primary discussion involved Unfinished Business concerning the county's strategic plan developed with the consultant Planning Next. A key concern raised was the perceived subservient orientation of the draft county strategic plan relative to the 'Drive Jackson' plan, and questions arose regarding what version of the plan—the presentation with visual elements or a leaner working document—would be posted publicly. Commissioner comments also focused on specific elements within the economic promotion and workforce development sections of the plan, including the low rate of apprentice program graduates entering manufacturing and the lack of reported business attraction from site acquisition readiness projects. Furthermore, the board discussed the county's role in supporting areas like workforce development and housing repair initiatives, noting both successes and past failures in execution.