Council Hears Staffing Change Requests and Budget Policy Section Edits at Workshop
The Grants Pass City Council began their workshop with a presentation regarding requests for staffing changes Monday morning. Changes included reallocation from Downtown Development to Police, replacing one Engineering Tech, with an increase of about $20,000 per year, and additional police and fire facilities staff, with an increase of about $112,200 billed to those departments. The changing of Urban Forester and Trail Coordinator duties with a funding change of $54,600 per year was also requested. The council agreed to decide on the changes during their Wednesday meeting, with additional information to be provided. The council was presented with a look at the budget and proposed policy edits to sections including but not limited to Revenue, Capital Improvement, Expenditures, Fund Balance and Reserves, Debt Management, and Investments. The revisions and additions were aimed to consolidate current state practices within one document, improving general understanding of local government performances.
...Read more
GP Police Arrested Residential Shooting Suspect
Grants Pass Police were alerted to a shooting in the 2400 block of Leonard Road on March 4th around 5:44 p.m. An elderly woman reported to dispatch that a man had fired a gun in her home, striking his own leg. Police officers responded to the residence. Due to limited information, one of the officers called the home, learning there was another elderly person inside being held hostage by the suspected shooter. Officers notified the Grants Pass Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to put them on standby. Law enforcement helped the elderly woman exit the home, then continued to gather more intelligence on the situation, wanting to see a safe outcome for both the hostage and the suspect. During this planning stage, patrol officers then heard shots from within the residence and immediately feared for the safety of the hostage. Officers forced entry into the home to rescue the hostage. Once inside the home, they discovered the suspect had shot himself in the chest, and lifesaving measures were provided. The elderly male hostage was helped out of the home.
...Read more
Joint Task Force Serves Child Sexual Abuse Material Search Warrant in Talent
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant in Talent Thursday. SOCET responded after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas. After discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material images were uploaded from the residence on Taylor Street, investigators served the search warrant. They interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. During the warrant, digital devices were seized which investigators are continuing to examine, as well as interviewing witnesses. No further details will be released at this time.
...Read more
