City Council Approved Water Rate Adjustment, Real Property Purchase at Meeting
The Grants Pass City Council approved water user rate adjustments for 2026, as well as both the purchase of real property, and a resolution making new job descriptions and amending classification plans Wednesday. Following a presentation, the council passed a motion 6-1, council president Victoria Marshall dissenting, that approved Scenario 2 for adjusting user rates to help support construction of the replacement Water Treatment Plant. This scenario would increase most utility rates by 1% per year for three years with a phase increase to the plant replacement fee from $13.50 to $16 over three years. The council's motion to purchase real property at 124 NW Midland Avenue passed unanimously, as did a motion to create the positions of Geographical Information Systems Supervisor and Water Distribution Supervisor, and to amend the classification plans. The council voted 6-1 approving the appointment of Tracy Decklebaum to the Urban Tree Advisory Committee, with Councilwoman Kathleen Krohn the lone dissenting vote. They then proceeded to approve all items on their consent agenda. ...Read more

GP City Council to Consider 2026 Water Rates, Real Property, Classification Plan Resolution

The Grants Pass City Council will consider resolutions for 2026 Water user rates, the purchase of real property, plus new job descriptions and classification plan amendments during tonight's meeting. The council will then make a motion appointing one member to the Urban Tree Advisory Committee. Following the public comment period, the consent agenda will include authorizations for the City Manager and meeting minute acknowledgments. After Mayor, Council, and Staff Comments, the meeting will adjourn, and the Urban Renewal Agency Meeting will convene. Board action will include a resolution amending a resolution awarding Scopa Properties, LLC an Urban Renewal Building Rehabilitation and Restoration grant for property at 221 SE 6th Street. The City Council Meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street, and will stream live at www.grantspassoregon.gov. ...Read more

OSP Investigated Fatal, Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 238

Oregon State Police responded to a fatal, single-vehicle crash on Highway 238, near milepost 8, in Josephine County Monday morning. On November 3, at 12:20 a.m., the preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Subaru Impreza, operated by Alexander Ray Yager, 21, of Grants Pass, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, struck a power pole, and rolled several times before catching fire. Yager was able to escape and was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries. The passenger, Jacob Dean Mix, 36, of Grants Pass, was declared deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately eight hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment and speed are considered primary factors in causing the crash. OSP was assisted by ODOT. ...Read more