JoCo Commissioners to Further Discuss Fee Changes, Postponed Decisions to Business Session
The Josephine County Commissioners will further discuss proposed fee changes for multiple departments after Tuesday's workshop. The finance department presented a list of six departments with fee changes effective January 1st. The departments include Public Works, Surveyor, Recreation, Animal Shelter, Public Health, and the Board of County Commissioners. The board postponed deciding on the Human Resources resolution to refer unused sick hours to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System until the Weekly Business Session. They also tabled the District Attorney's non-competitive grant and the Sheriff's request for approval of auction forfeited items pending further explanation. The commissioners did approve the Sheriff's Department's Bureau of Land Management memorandum of understanding, as well as the US Marshal Service memo modification. ...Read more

JoCo Commissioners Covered Library and Dimmick Campus Topics during Legal Counsel Update

The Josephine County Commissioners further discussed the potential library lease during their workshop's Legal Counsel Update. Wally Hicks confirmed rent for the library would be at $27,687. Commissioner Andreas Blech recommended extending the current lease, while Commissioner Ron Smith didn't want to move forward until the Library was able to see the new draft and respond. Commissioner Blech said he would be willing to go with a 90 day termination clause if the library would consider a concession as well, and the board agreed to further discuss the lease during next Tuesday's meeting. With the Dimmick Campus being on the market for a year with zero offers, the commissioners considered a price change dropping from the current $3.25 million to about 10% less. A motion was made to approve the price change at $2.925 million with a 6 month extension and land sell contract option. It passed unanimously. ...Read more

Rentec Direct Recognized Nationally as One of the Fast Growing Private Companies

A Grants Pass software company has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Rentec Direct is one of only two Southern Oregon businesses on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Their achievement highlights Grants Pass as a hub for entrepreneurship, business vitality, and economic growth in Oregon. This year marks Rentec Direct’s ninth consecutive year on the list, recognized for remaining independently owned, maintaining 20 percent year-over-year revenue growth, and generating over $15 million in revenue for Southern Oregon's economy in 2024. Nathan Miller, Founder and CEO of Rentec Direct, said “Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for almost ten years is a true testament to our incredible team and the support of our community. We are proud to call Grants Pass home and show that a small business can compete on a national stage while contributing meaningfully to the local economy.” ...Read more