Grants Pass, Oregon – Aimed at offering complete fire safety services to regions outside the urban centers of Grants Pass and Cave Junction, Josephine County is again trying to create a rural fire protection district. Though many residents now rely on private businesses for fire protection, which results in different coverage across the region, the initiative—which has struggled to gather support in the past—comes as many rely on.
The idea for the fire district is still in its early phases; a public meeting set for October 23 will help to gather community comments and address possible models. Unlike other initiatives, this one is designed to let more citizens participate in choosing financing sources, says County Commissioner Herman Baertschiger.
“This time, I want it to be driven by the citizens. And that way, hopefully we can establish this district and a rate that we all can agree upon and come to consensus,” he said as reported by Jefferson Public Radio.
The proposal leaves opportunity for changes depending on community feedback and more consideration; it does not now establish a base tax rate. Initially, the district would operate with $1.5 million allocated by the state legislature in 2019, specifically designated for startup costs associated with establishing rural fire protection districts.
Josephine County’s legal counsel, Wally Hicks, underlined the significance of the first money since it will help the district run early operations. The first money the district would get would be the $1.5 million the county is now keeping for it.
Should approval be granted, the body of Commissioners would decide the limits and governance framework of the district; a governing body scheduled for election in May 2025. Future taxes proposed by this board would need voter approval as they would be proposed.
Surprisingly, under the current plan, property owners would have the choice to join the district, therefore determining their degree of participation and dedication to the services of the district. This measure seeks to solve issues raised by a past proposal in 2021 that proposed a permanent tax rate of $1.74 per $1,000 of assessed property value and was narrowly rejected.
The public hearing scheduled for next year will take place in the Anne Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass, giving locals an opportunity to express their opinions and offer suggested changes to the project. By including citizens in the decision-making process, the county expects the fire district will better satisfy community requirements and get the required support to improve fire protection services over the rural sections of the county.
