The feuding operators of a southern Oregon public-radio network have agreed to a two-month “cooling off” period in which to seek a new resolution of their financial dispute, reports the Ashland Daily Tidings.

The Jefferson Public Radio Foundation agreed Friday to return to mediation with Southern Oregon University and maintain their current agreement for 60 days. The two entities both own stations in the Jefferson Public Radio system, which broadcasts in southern Oregon and northern California.

The dispute was sparked by an Oregon University System audit of the foundation suggesting that the charity’s planned spending on non-radio projects could undermine the broadcast network’s finances. A previous settlement proposal sought to separate the stations from the foundation.

A university threat to sue foundation board members if they did not back that pact escalated tensions until Gov. John Kitzhaber intervened Thursday and asked the university to drop the threat. Mary Cullinan, president of Southern Oregon, issued a signed statement Friday releasing board members from personal liability in the dispute.