County Commissioners Wait for More Information before Deciding Land Use Appeal

Josephine County Commissioners voted to keep an appeal to a land use decision open for further information and evidence to be submitted plus Commissioners will make a personal visit to the property. The appeal was to overturn the Planning Director’s decision to approve a type II home occupation allowing a boat manufacturing business in a residential neighborhood, basically a cul-de-sac at the end of Devon Drive where the zoning allows home occupations. Most of the proponents’ arguments dealt with noise coming from the business generator because none of the neighbors would grant right of way for electrical lines to be installed. The next date for the appeal will be announced later. ...Read more

ODF Declares End of Fire Season in Jackson and Josephine Counties

After 135 days, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District officially declared the end of the 2025 fire season in Jackson and Josephine Counties this morning at 12:01 a.m. Multiple days of widespread rain across the district and a shift to consistent fall weather allowed for all fire season regulations and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels to be lifted. The termination of fire season removes fire prevention regulations on equipment use and the use of fire for debris burning. This applies to the public and industrial operations on forestland, however, industrial slash burning is still prohibited. Many structural fire agencies require permits for residential debris burning. Check with your local fire department to obtain any necessary permits before burning and ensure it’s a burn day designated by county. For more information, call the Jackson County Burn Line at (541) 776-7007, or the Josephine County Burn Line at (541) 476-9663. ...Read more

Cost Major Factor in City Council Employee Compensation and Classification Decision

The Grants Pass City Council moved to address pay equity issues and offer a retroactive Cost of Living Adjustment of about 3% with further deliberation scheduled for the Compensation and Classification Plan. Councilman Seth Benham made the motion, and it passed 5-2. The Non-Bargaining Employee Compensation and Classification Plan was presented by taskforce recommending it take retroactive effect July 1st, 2025. The taskforce said the plan would support fiscal stability, balancing financial health and complying with Oregon Pay Equity law while hiring quality employees. There would be an increase of max vacation accrual from 200 hours to 370 hours to match analyzed averages. The presented cost was budgeted at just shy of $1.3 million, with $286,000 coming from the general fund. Following a grid system, the plan would place individuals based on experience and adjust based on pay equity. ...Read more