Issuu

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025

GRANTSPASSTRIBUNE.COM | $0.00

Newly Formed Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District Partners with Rural Metro to Maintain Emergency Services Courtesy of Mark Jones - Board President, Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District To preserve public safety without imposing immediate new taxes, the recently established Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District has entered into a formal service agreement with Rural/Metro Fire Department, Inc., securing uninterrupted all-hazard fire protection for thousands of residents across the region. The agreement, signed on Monday, July 7th, allows Rural Metro Fire—an entity that has long served the area on a subscription-based model—to continue delivering fire suppression, medical emergency response, and other essential services within the district’s boundaries. Those boundaries mirror the company's historical coverage area, ensuring continuity for existing customers and clarity for newcomers. At the heart of this development is a pragmatic solution to a complex problem: how to establish a rural fire protection district in Josephine County without a dedicated tax base. For now, fire protection will remain voluntary and subscription-based, allowing residents to opt in without the financial weight of a new property tax assessment—at least until voters decide otherwise. “This agreement allows us to maintain the current level of fire and emergency services without placing additional financial burden on taxpayers,” said Mark Jones, President of the district’s Board of Directors. “Residents will notice no change in service and should continue subscribing with Rural Metro Fire as they have in the past.”

The new district’s formation follows years of discussion about how best to secure emergency services in areas of Josephine County where no public fire department exists. The county has historically relied on private entities like Rural Metro to provide fire protection outside city limits—a model that, while functional, has left some residents concerned about equity, funding, and long-term sustainability. With the creation of the district and the signing of the new agreement, supporters believe they've found a middle path: preserving critical emergency coverage while also laying the groundwork for future public infrastructure. Under the current structure, Rural Metro

Fire will remain the contracted provider for all-hazard services, including structural fire response, wildland suppression, vehicle accidents, and basic life support medical services. Their staff of trained firefighters and emergency personnel will continue to respond to 911 calls within the district's jurisdiction, backed by established equipment and regional dispatch coordination. Meanwhile, the Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District Board is tasked with charting the district’s administrative and operational future. In its early stages, this includes developing an interim office, identifying staffing solutions, and outlining a strategy to support

the district’s long-term needs. That path may eventually lead to the development of a formal tax-based model—subject to public vote—but for now, the board is focused on transparency, efficiency, and community engagement. For residents currently subscribing—or considering subscribing—to Rural Metro Fire, the process remains unchanged. Households and businesses are encouraged to contact Rural Metro directly at (541) 474-1218 for subscription information, rates, and service details. Public involvement remains a key part of the new district’s development. The Board has scheduled its next public meeting for July 14 at 10:00 a.m., to be held at the Parkway Fire Station, 800 E. Park Street, Grants Pass. Community members are encouraged to attend to ask questions, share feedback, or learn more about the district’s goals and structure. The creation of the Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District marks a significant chapter in the region’s approach to rural emergency services. As wildfires, medical emergencies, and infrastructure challenges continue to rise across Southern Oregon, ensuring consistent, coordinated fire protection remains a priority. Through this partnership, county leaders hope to offer a service model that’s both financially sensible and community-driven—while ultimately leaving the final decision about funding in the hands of the voters. As the district grows and evolves, its leadership remains focused on one clear mission: protecting lives and property in rural Josephine County with reliability, accountability, and a vision for the future.

Josephine County Commissioners’ “Other” Votes Raise Concerns Over Transparency By John Oliver During the weekly Board of County Commissioners (BCC) business sessions in Josephine County, a growing number of residents are raising concerns about a little-understood but increasingly common portion of the meeting agenda — a single item labeled simply as “Other.” This agenda category, typically introduced at the beginning of each weekly session following a declaration of potential conflicts of interest, is intended to allow commissioners to add last-minute items of business or emergent topics not previously listed on the published agenda. While this might sound like a useful tool for governmental flexibility, many citizens and observers argue that “Other” has become a catch-all for vague and undisclosed government actions that lack explanation, documentation, or public debate. The concern is not about the existence of the “Other” category itself, but rather about how it is used — or misused. In many cases, agenda items listed under “Other” appear only as a number (for example, “Item #23-217”)

with no description, discussion, or supporting materials presented during the meeting. These numbered items are often voted on quickly, with little to no elaboration provided to the public. This has led to growing frustration and suspicion among residents who feel they are being left in the dark. Despite campaign promises of openness and integrity, the current board — consisting of Commissioners Ron Smith, Andrea’s Blech (appointed, then appointed again), and Chris Barnett — appears to differ significantly in its approach to transparency. Commissioner

Smith has consistently advocated for greater public involvement and fuller disclosures in meetings, frequently asking for clarification or insisting on more detailed information before voting. By contrast, Commissioners Blech and Barnett often push forward with votes on “Other” items with minimal context or explanation, creating the appearance of decision-making behind closed doors. The heart of the issue lies in a fundamental question of governance: When exactly are the details of these “Other” items being discussed if not during the public meetings themselves?

If there is no public discussion before a vote, and no detailed materials available in advance, many wonder whether those decisions are being deliberated in private — a potential violation of Oregon’s public meetings law, which requires that all decisions made by a quorum of public officials be conducted in the open. Moreover, without public access to the content of “Other” items, there is no meaningful opportunity for public comment or input — a cornerstone of transparent and representative government. This practice has the effect of disenfranchising the very taxpayers and constituents whom the commissioners were elected to serve.

•

see “OTHER,” page 3