Library Lease Agreement Approved by Josephine County and Library District

The latest library lease agreement has been approved by both Josephine County and the Library District. During their Tuesday workshop, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve a new five-year lease agreement for the Grants Pass library building at 200 NW C Street, with Commissioner Blech voting against. Commissioner Chris Barnett made a motion to adopt the latest version of the lease, with a modified “for cause” termination clause. Under the agreement, the library district will assume responsibility for the maintenance of the building and grounds. The Josephine Community Library District Board of Directors discussed the updated lease and agreed to its terms, clearing the way for the continuation of library services in Josephine County. Library Director Kate Lasky said “We are relieved this agreement moves us past months of uncertainty. This has been a difficult process, but what matters most is that we can keep our focus on serving the community.” ...Read more

OHCS Encourages 2020 Labor Day Fires Survivors to Apply for Help

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is encouraging survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds to start applying for the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP). HARP is part of a suite of wildfire recovery programs called ReOregon, which is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HARP helps survivor homeowners rebuild, repair, replace, or buy a new home, as well as be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during their recovery. OHCS expanded eligibility criteria for these recovery pathways to help more survivors apply before the deadline December 31st, 2025. To apply, fill out an Eligibility Questionnaire. If found to be eligible, you will receive an email invitation to begin the full application process. ...Read more

GP 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