A Homeless Grant Program and the 2025-26 fiscal budget were both passed by the Grants Pass City Council during its Wednesday night business meeting.
The City Council adopted a resolution creating a Homeless Grant Program that will award funds -- up to $1.2 million -- to support capital expenses for one or more programs that would provide a managed, low-barrier shelter for up to 150 unhoused people. The successful applicant will be required to provide regular reports to demonstrate effectiveness of the program during the grant period.
The City of Grants Pass currently spends a little over $371,000 annually to maintain designated resting sites. Spending at that level for three years was the basis for the $1.2 million grant amount.
The City Council also approved the fiscal year 2025-26 budget at a level of almost $240 million. The permanent rate per $1,000 is just over $4.13 plus the local option levy for public safety at $1.79 per thousand for a total of about $5.92. The vote to approve was 6-2, with Indra Nicholas and Joel King dissenting. The Council also voted to receive state shared revenues in the amount of $513,000.
A sign code appeal for the Applebee's sign was unanimously approved by the council. The Applebee's sign will be re-faced, and a second same sized sign will be added signifying the addition of IHOP being housed in the same building. There was no time frame discussed for the addition of IHOP.
The panel decided to create a Council Vice President to improve communication. Joel King was elected to the position. Other appointments included Gordon Langenbeck and Byron Robertson to the Non-Bargaining Compensation and Classification Task Force, and Tom Bradbeer and Tom Brandes to the city's Budget Committee.
The Council adjourned and immediately reconvened as Urban Renewal Agency. The agency approved a $50,000 reimbursement grant for Medical Aesthetics, LLC, at 1212 NE 7th Street. The grant is for building rehabilitation and restoration. The Agency then approved the Fiscal Year 2026 annual budget.
