Board of Commissioners Tackled Hefty Agenda in Final Business Session of 2024

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners -- minus former Chair John West -- took care of a large number of items during its final business session of 2024. Following a public hearing, the Board adopted a fee schedule for the Community Development Department that begins at the start of next year. The new fee schedule was tabled on November 27th after the bulk of the new fees were approved, but a universal fee funding code enforcement and administration was questioned. Community Development Director Mark Stevenson testified that he was concerned about the elimination of the universal fee that had provided about $134,000 annually over the past eight years. Under Administrative Actions, the Board approved the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Project Plan for Josephine Community Transit for 2025-2027. Transit Director Scott Chancey said he will submit the plan to the state for funding. In other business, the Board approved a purchase and sale agreement with Ireland Investments for a county-owned property on Caves Camp Road, a personal service contract between Josephine County Community Corrections and Options for Southern Oregon, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Department of Corrections that will provide additional state funding for treatment services. ...Read more

Grants Pass City Utility Rates will Rise in 2025 with 3.02% Cost of Living Increase

Grants Pass residents will be paying more for city utilities at the start of next year. On January 1st of each year, City of Grants Pass utility rates are subject to a cost-of-living increase which is determined by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The rate increase beginning January 1st, 2025, is 3.02%. All city service rates in Grants Pass -- except the Water Treatment Plant Replacement Fee -- will be assessed. The increase will start with bills generated in January. A comprehensive list of the 2025 rates will be available on the city's website at "grantspassoregon.gov" no later than January 1st. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Grants Pass Customer Service office at (541)-450-6035. Utility billing specialists are available to help you Monday through Friday -- excluding holidays -- from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. You can also send your questions by email to "cstsrvc@grantspassoregon.gov." ...Read more

Chamber Invites Citizens to Vote for Favorites in Holiday Window Decorating Contest

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce and The Home Depot invite the community to view beautifully decorated storefronts and then vote for their favorites. While taking in the holiday sights, be sure to patronize these local businesses. We are very fortunate to feature so many unique shops featuring one-of-a-kind gifts. Public voting in the Holiday Window Decorating Contest will continue through December 30th. For more information, call the Chamber at (541)-476-7717 or send an email to "cswafford@grantspasschamber.org." ...Read more