Grants Pass City Council Hears Salary Schedule and Caveman Pool Presentations at Workshop
The Grants Pass City Council heard a presentation from the Non-Bargaining Compensation and Classification Taskforce and a Caveman Pool call to action during Monday’s workshop. After the executive session adjourned, the City Council heard a presentation on an updated approach to adjusting Non-Bargaining Employee’s compensation and classification based on market analysis and Oregon Pay Equity law. The taskforce was charged with creating a competitive market-based Salary Schedule for Grants Pass management positions with an equitable transition for each staff member. Their final draft utilized research from the McGrath Study to restructure the new 10 step Salary Schedule. Employees would be placed on a grid based on similar experience. The final recommendation was to adopt the McGrath Salary Schedule with modifications, apply the October 2024 12-month average CPI (3.02%) to the new schedule, a retroactive application of the schedule for July 1st, 2025, and approval of a longevity incentive (1% for 10+ years, 2% for 15+ years). ...Read more

ODF Announces Fire Danger Level Decrease and Regulation Adjustments
Widespread rain in the forecast has made it possible to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations. The Oregon Department of Forestry says that, effective tomorrow, September 30, at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to "moderate", and the industrial fire precaution level will decrease to "1" on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine Counties. For public use, restrictions on chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being relaxed, allowing the use of equipment near dry vegetation until 1:00 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect include no debris burning, fireworks, or exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds, and motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads. For more information about ODF's Fire Season regulations, please call the Grants Pass office at (541) 474-3152, or the Medford office at (541) 664-3328. ...Read more

JMET Executed Search Warrant at Holland Loop Road for Marijuana Bust

The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 5000 block of Holland Loop Road, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site. The search warrant was executed September 23rd with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service. During the execution of the warrant, 600 pounds of processed marijuana and 840 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. The primary suspects were not on scene during the time of the search. If located, they will be charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Further details have not been released. ...Read more