Grants Pass

06-13-2006 10:08 AM

City to hold open houses for funding new Public Safety stations

By TIM BURLESON

GRANTS PASS, OR - The City of Grants Pass is inviting the public to attend two open house meetings on the regarding funding needed for the construction of two new Public Safety stations. The purpose of the meetings is to get input from the public regarding possible funding mechanisms for the new stations the City says are needed to maintain fire and police response times.

The proposed Parkway Station will be built on city-owned land known as the "Texas Property" and the location proposed for Redwood Station is near Redwood School on land currently owned by Grants Pass School District 7.

During the primary election in May, a restaurant tax proposed by the City was defeated by the voters. The tax would have included funding for the new stations as well as funding for local schools and city parks.

Now the City is considering a more traditional bond levy for the November ballot as one possible funding solution. This levy would include funding for the two new Public Stations and equipment. Per Oregon law, Primary Elections are not subject to the "double majority" requirement. Only a simple majority would be required for a property tax measure to pass.

City Manager David Frasher says about $10 million in funding is needed which would require a property tax of 53 cents per thousand.

Two open house meetings are scheduled. The meetings will include presentations from Public Safety Director Joe Henner.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006
5-6:30pm
Hillcrest Public Safety Station
Corner of NW Hillcrest Drive and NW Washington Blvd.

Thursday, June 15, 2006
5-6:30pm
Redwood Elementary School
3163 Leonard Road

Reach reporter Tim Burleson at 761-0195 or tim@grantspassclimate.com

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