A library volunteer and member of Grants Pass Friends of the Library has filed a petition for redress of grievances to the Josephine County Board of Commissioners that asserts the Board has violated the County Charter.
Matthew Hoff filed the paperwork on Wednesday, stating that "the actions and inactions of the Josephine County Board of Commissioners regarding the lease of the Grants Pass Library facility constitute a significant breach of public trust and governance obligations, and violate the Charter's mandate for library support and public accountability."
The Josephine County Charter is a document that delineates the structure and powers of county government. Per Section 29.8 of the Charter, Josephine County officials must respond within five days and provide a resolution within 60 days.
Hoff said he conceived the idea to petition the Commissioners during a discussion following a screening of the PBS episode "Us As We Are: Regional Libraries." The documentary featured the local library district's struggle to negotiate with the county after the Commissioners terminated the Grants Pass library's lease with 30 days' notice in January.
When Hoff suggested the idea of petitioning the Commissioners to those attending the screening, the group was enthusiastic and encouraged him to pursue the idea.
The Grants Pass Friends of the Library's mission is to advocate for libraries in Grants Pass and Josephine County, to disseminate information and to communicate the many ways libraries are crucial to thriving communities. They can be reached at "grantspassfol@gmail.com."
