JCSO Upgrades Zone JAC-124 to Level 3: Go Now for East Evans Creek Fire

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has upgraded Zone JAC-124 from Level 2 to Evacuation Level 3: Go Now as the fight against the East Evans Creek Fire continues. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, firefighters are experiencing increased fire behavior on the north end of the blaze due to hot weather, gusty winds, and steep terrain. The fire's acreage is reported to be an estimated 3,628.2 per the Watch Duty app. Crews are utilizing Type 1, 2, and 3 helicopters, as well as air tankers and, according to Watch Duty, a Very Large Air Tanker. Resources are being used to help slow the fire's progression via control line with water bucket drops and retardant. ...Read more

Council Moves for Lodging Tax Allocation, Tourism Grant Program to Remain the Same
The Grants Pass City Council moved in favor of the current Lodging Tax Allocation, thanks to a tie breaking vote from Mayor Clint Scherf. During the 11:45 a.m. workshop, council heard a presentation on the tax allocation, with funding utilized for Fire and Police Division operations, as well as Economic and Downtown Development. House Bill 4148, which allows net local transient lodging tax revenue to be used for resiliency grants for small businesses in the restaurant and lodging industry, will go into effect January 1st, 2027. This move follows amendments to an Oregon Revised Statute, and could lead to the potential change in the allocation of about $43,900. Next was a Tourism Grant Program review. $35,000 have been awarded for Fiscal Year 2026, and the Tourism Advisory Committee recommended updates to the program like changes to scoring and application, plus the expansion of location criteria. Council moved 5-3 to not accept the recommendations, keeping the program in place, and to bring on a council liaison to the committee. Council continued their Owl Plaza discussion regarding plaza use policies and the application process, as well as the potential new food truck policy. A motion was made to direct staff to proceed with a six-month pilot project with amendments. ...Read more

Council to Discuss Lodging Tax, Tourism Grant Program, Owl Plaza before Executive Session

The Grants Pass City Council is scheduled to meet for their workshop to discuss tax allocation and tourism following presentations, then meet in Executive Session Monday morning. The meeting, starting at 11:45 a.m. will begin with a Lodging Tax allocation presentation. Council will hear a review of the Tourism Grant Program, then hold a discussion for the Owl Plaza. An agenda review will follow covering Wednesday's business meeting, and any potential items to be added to the calendar. Council will then adjourn the meeting and reconvene in Executive Session for labor negotiations. The public is welcome to attend the workshop in person or virtually by going to www.grantspassoregon.gov. ...Read more