GP City Council Approves Budget Supplement after Fiery Debate over Homeless Services
The Grants Pass City Council last night approved a resolution supplementing the Fiscal Year 2025 budget after a contentious debate over the funding of homeless services. Following several failed motions, the City Council eventually voted 7-1 to approve minor changes to the current budget reflecting additions to the Transportation Projects, Stormwater Projects, Wastewater, Fleet Operations and Industrial & Downtown funds. It was the homeless service additions to the General Fund that caused the debate. The meeting was recessed for 10 minutes after strong and disruptive opposition voiced by citizens during the public hearing. City Finance Director JC Rowley presented a supplemental budget to the Council that included $440,000 for homeless services being provided at the two designated campgrounds on SE G Street and at the corner of 6th & A streets along with projected expenses at a future campground that is being prepared next to the Grants Pass Police Department on NE 7th Street. It will replace the 6th & A site. The majority of the Council felt $440,000 was too much money for homeless services. Members of the panel were opposed to expenditures for rented fencing, cleaning services provided at the campsites and the demolition of a building near GPPD headquarters being included in the supplemental funding. Motions changing the homeless services funding ranged from $440,000 to $290,000. All of them failed until Rick Ryker made a motion to fund the program with $325,000.
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Board of Commissioners Starts Process of Forming New Rural Fire Protection District
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday began the process of forming a rural fire protection district and continued its work to tidy up the County Code. The Board voted unanimously to approve an order that initiates the formation of a rural fire protection district for Josephine County and set the first public hearing on the district for October 23rd at 9 a.m.. County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks testified that the district can be formed without a permanent tax rate. He said if the fire district is approved by the Commissioners, a district board of directors will be formed that would set the tax rate for rural properties outside the City of Grants Pass and existing fire protection districts. Hicks said the proposed tax rate for the proposed fire district must be approved by Josephine County voters next May, adding that a fire district can exist without a tax rate. He said the physical boundaries of the district have not yet been finalized and that will be done by the Board with public input prior to its approval. Following four brief public hearings, the Board continued its work to clean up sections of the Josephine County Code that are outdated or no longer necessary.
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US Cellular and Local Boys & Girls Clubs Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Art Contest
US Cellular and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley have announced the return of their 3rd annual Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest. New to the 2024 contest, the top three first-place submissions with the most votes from all participating clubs will also be named national winners and will receive an additional $250 -- bringing their total winnings to $500 -- while their home club will also receive a $1,000 donation. Up to 10 finalists from each of the six Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley will be chosen by local Club representatives and US Cellular leaders based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. The finalists' artwork will be digitally displayed in select US Cellular stores. Through September 22nd, anyone 18 and older is invited to vote for their favorite art online. The top three vote-getters at each club will be announced in October, with the winners receiving $250 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place.
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