GP Council Authorizes COLA Raises for Non-Bargaining Employees
The Grants Pass City Council Wednesday night passed a resolution authorizing raises for non-bargaining employees.The action authorizes the City Manager to adjust the current management, supervisory and confidential non-bargaining employee salary schedules by the October 2024 consumer price index of 3.02 percent and apply it retroactively to July 1st of this year. This is an intermediate step to approve a cost of living adjustment for inflation to the current non-bargaining employee salary schedules. Those employees last received a COLA increase on July 1st of 2024. The total cost for the increase is $270,481. The funds for the increase were already included in the budget. The Council will continue to discuss a complete overhaul of the non-bargaining compensation and classification structure. The Council passed 10 resolutions authorizing the sale of easements to the Oregon Department of Transportation to allow for the improvement of ADA curb ramps within the city. The total revenue to the city is $27,150. Also passed was a resolution authorizing the payment of $50,000 to Main Street Grants Pass to assist with startup costs associated with the formation of the downtown association including the hiring of an executive director and support staff. Performance metrics are in place to determine any further funding. ...Read more

JMET Nabbed Four Suspects during Illegal Marijuana Site Search

The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team executed a search warrant in the 800 block of Paradise Gardens Road in Grants Pass, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site. During the execution of the warrant on October 9th, approximately 130 marijuana plants and 50 pounds of processed marijuana were seized and destroyed. Additionally, one firearm, approximately 38 grams of cocaine, and approximately 1 gram of heroine were located and seized on scene during the search. The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. Julian Amani Hall, Jamie Marie Smith, Melvin Magee, and Keith Eric Pedrick were all taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on charges of Unlawful Manufacturing and Possession of Marijuana. Hall has also been charged with Unlawful Possession of Cocaine. ...Read more

JoCo Recreation Department Set to Complete Whitehorse Park Renovation in 2026

The Josephine County Department of Recreation announced Tuesday updated renovation plans for Whitehorse Park's Upper Loop will proceed with completion expected by August 30, 2026. Whitehorse Park's team took feedback from the community and modified the renovation plans after years of discussion. Updates include the expansion and widening of existing campsites, adding water and electricity for partial RV hookups and 5 full hookup sites, improved traffic flow, and a new restroom facility set up within twelve months to begin Phase 2. Partial funding for the project comes in part from a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, with the remainder supported by the Parks Capital Improvement Fund. For more information, call 541-474-5285. ...Read more