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

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