Grants Pass Tribune - Sun. May 26, 2024

Boatnik in full swing this Memorial Day Weekend

By: John Oliver

This Memorial Day weekend, the highly anticipated Boatnik festival is in full effect, bringing joy and excitement to the community of Grants Pass. The festival, organized by the Grants Pass Active Club, is set to continue its thrilling lineup of events through Monday, ensuring a memorable holiday weekend for all attendees.

For over six decades, the Grants Pass Active Club has been a cornerstone of support for the youth of Southern Oregon. Established in 1959, this non-profit organization has made a significant impact on the community through its annual Boatnik celebration, held along the picturesque Rogue River at Riverside Park in Grants Pass.

Boatnik is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Grants Pass Active Club members. As one of their primary fundraisers, Boatnik requires a full year of meticulous planning. The proceeds from the event are channeled into local children and youth programs in Josephine County, reflecting the club’s unwavering commitment to giving back to the community.

Over the past 50 years, the Grants Pass Active Club has donated hundreds of thou-

sands of dollars to various causes, making a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals. Their efforts culminate in hosting Oregon’s second-largest festival, creating cherished memories for families and visitors alike. Individuals and businesses can support the Active Club’s mission by becoming sponsors or making donations through their website. For those seeking assistance,

a straightforward donation request form is available online.

The club’s impact extends far beyond the Boatnik festival. Through regular donations, the club supports numerous local programs, providing vital resources and assistance to various organizations within the community. Additionally, the club awards scholarships to local high school seniors annually, totaling

over a hundred thousand dollars since the inception of the program.

Originally conceived as a boat race in the 1950s, Boatnik has evolved into a multi-day extravaganza that embodies community pride and patriotism. The festivities began with a vibrant parade through downtown Grants Pass, featuring floats, marching bands, and local dignitaries. The event continued with a host of activities and entertainment at Riverside Park, including carnival rides, games, live music performances, and delicious food vendors.

The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky over the Rogue River, serving as a poignant reminder of the true meaning behind Memorial Day.

The festival will culminate on Monday, May 27th, with an exciting lineup of events that are sure to delight attendees: 10:00 am - 11:30 am: Hydroplane warm-ups 11:00 am - 4:00 pm: Boatnik sponsor tent • see DON'T MISS, page 5

City of GP out of compliance with financial policies due to excess general fund

By: Ellen Ward

The City of Grants Pass finds itself in a unique financial situation: its general fund now holds more money than its financial policies allow. This surplus, while seemingly advantageous, has highlighted issues in public safety funding and overall fiscal management.

The city's overly cautious financial approach in recent years has led to deeper-than-necessary cuts in public safety programs. Despite the new Public Safety (PS) utility fee providing additional revenue, efforts to hire more police officers have been slow and difficult. The city now has sufficient funds and ongoing revenue streams to support additional officers, yet the process of expanding the police force has been akin to "pulling teeth."

At the county level, concerns about financial management and projections have been raised. Commissioner West recently attended a private meeting where he suggested that if inflation continues, the newly approved law enforcement district might not provide financial benefits in five years. This statement has been criticized as overly cautious or incorrect, indicating that some of the information being relayed to the County Commissioners might be flawed.

Several specific budget issues were noted during the recent budget presentation:

Property Tax Growth Projections – The County Budget Officer projected property tax growth at just over 3% for the next fiscal year. However, this conservative estimate resulted in the general fund revenue projection being at least $87,000 smaller than it should be. This shortfall could otherwise support additional sheriff patrols.

Discretionary Resources Allocation – While non-law enforcement departments are set to receive an additional $329,000 in discretionary resources, sheriff patrols are facing a reduction of over $2 million compared to the fiveyear average.

Federal Revenue Reductions – Cuts in federal revenues (PILT and SRS) are the primary reason for some general fund discretionary cuts.

Budget Requests – The budget officer did not grant a requested $995,000 general fund transfer for the law enforcement district. The overall budget proposals were in line with the budget officer’s recommendations, possibly influenced by commissioner directives.

Lack of Transparency – Various exhibits referenced in the budget presentation were not included in the public materials, leading to concerns about transparency.

SRS Revenue Assumptions – The County is assuming a significant reduction in SRS revenues, which could impact

future budgets.

Funding Reductions – The budget officer reduced general fund program requests by $339,000 while cutting law enforcement funding requests by $995,000.

To address these concerns and improve public safety funding, several steps can be taken:

• Correct the property tax growth rate to add an additional $87,000 to the sheriff patrol budget.

• Adjust the new law enforcement district revenue projections to transfer at least an additional $400,000 to sheriff patrols next year.

• Update property tax revenue forecasts for the Jail/Juvenile fund, which would eliminate the need for a $169,800 transfer from the general fund, redirecting these funds to sheriff patrols.

• Consider direct charges for services provided by the Sheriff Administration to the Jail/Juvenile Department and Juvenile cases, potentially adding $220,000 to patrol funds.

Grants Pass and Josephine County face a critical juncture in managing their finances and ensuring adequate public safety services. By making informed adjustments and improving budget transparency, the city and county can better allocate resources to meet the community's needs. Voters and residents should stay engaged and informed as these budget discussions continue, ensuring that fiscal policies align with public safety priorities.

For more information on the budget process and to get involved, visit the Josephine County Elections website or contact the Elections Office at (541) 474-5240.

More questions arise regarding Simon Hare payment

Former County Commissioner paid $3,200 without contract

By: John Oliver

More concerns are mounting in Josephine County after it was revealed that former County Commissioner Simon Hare received a payment from Josephine County totaling $3,200 despite having no formal employment agreement or approved contract in place. The payment, made without the apparent approval of the county or other board members, has raised eyebrows and sparked a wave of inquiries.

The payment to Hare has left many questioning the transparency and ac-

countability of the current board of commissioners. With no official documentation justifying the disbursement, residents and officials alike are seeking answers about who authorized the payment and the reasoning behind it.

County Commissioner John West is under particular scrutiny, as speculation grows that he may have played a role in facilitating the payment. Some critics suggest that West might be returning favors to those who supported his election campaign, leading to suspicions of possible favoritism and misuse of county funds.

The lack of clarity surrounding the payment has prompted calls for a thorough investigation. Many are demanding an explanation for why standard procedures

were bypassed and how such a significant oversight could occur without the knowledge or consent of the broader board of commissioners.

A budget hearing scheduled for June 4th is expected to address these and other pressing issues. Concerned citizens and officials plan to attend, prepared to ask the hard-hitting questions that have so far gone unanswered. The hearing scheduled for the Sheriff’s budget will provide an opportunity to delve into the specifics of the payment to Hare and examine any potential irregularities in the approval process whether they like it or not.

As the date approaches, the community is eager for transparency and accountability from their elected officials. The out-

Simplifying bill payments in Grants Pass

Source: City of Grants Pass

Paying your bills to the City of Grants Pass has never been more convenient. The City has streamlined the bill payment process, making it easier for residents to manage their financial obligations online. Whether it's utility bills or parking tickets, you can now handle everything with just a few clicks, thanks to the user-friendly portals available on the City's website.

Streamlined Utility Bill Payments

One of the most frequently used services is the utility bill payment portal. Residents of Grants Pass can quickly and securely pay their utility bills online. To get started, you'll need your customer account number, which is found on your utility bill statement. Once you have this information, simply follow the link to the utility bill payment portal on the City of Grants Pass website.

Here's how to pay your utility bill:

• Visit the City of Grants Pass official website.

• Navigate to the "Utility Bill Payment" section.

• Enter your customer account number and other required information.

• Follow the prompts to complete your payment.

The process is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that even those who are not tech-savvy can manage their payments with ease. The online payment system is secure, protecting your personal and financial information from unauthorized access.

Paying Parking Tickets Online

In addition to utility bills, the City of Grants Pass has also made it simpler to pay parking tickets. If you've received a citation for parking violations, you can settle the fine through the online portal. For this, you will need your citation number, which is listed on the parking ticket.

Here’s how to pay your parking ticket:

• Visit the City of Grants Pass official website.

• Navigate to the "Parking Ticket Payment" section.

• Enter your citation number and other required details.

• Follow the prompts to complete your payment.

This system ensures that you can handle parking fines quickly,

avoiding the hassle of mailing payments or visiting city offices in person. It’s a fast, efficient way to stay on top of your obligations and avoid additional penalties for late payments.

Additional City Bills

Apart from utility bills and parking tickets, the City of Grants Pass allows residents to pay various other city-generated bills online. This might include fees for permits, licenses, or other city services. The process for paying these bills is similar to that of utility bills and parking tickets, ensuring consistency and ease of use across all platforms.

Why Online Bill Payments Are Beneficial

Convenience: Online bill payment portals are available 24/7, allowing you to manage your payments at any time that suits you.

Speed: Transactions are processed quickly, often reflecting on your account within minutes.

Security: The City of Grants Pass uses advanced encryption and security measures to protect your information.

Record Keeping: Online payments provide an immediate confirmation receipt, making it easier to keep track of your financial records. Environmental Impact: Reducing paper bills and payments helps the environment by minimizing paper use and reducing the carbon footprint associated with mailing services.

How to Access the Online Payment Portals

For easy access to all payment portals, residents can bookmark the City of Grants Pass website. This ensures that the links are readily available whenever you need to make a payment. By following these links, you’ll be directed to the appropriate portal where you can enter your information and complete your transaction.

The City of Grants Pass is continually working to improve its online services, making it even easier for residents to manage their civic responsibilities. Keep an eye on the City's website and official communications for updates on new features and services that may be added in the future.

Paying your bills to the City of Grants Pass is now more straightforward than ever. With secure, easy-to-use online portals, you can manage your utility bills, parking tickets, and other city-generated fees with confidence and convenience. Embrace the simplicity of online payments and take advantage of the resources provided by the city to ensure you never miss a payment.

Don’t miss the exciting finale of Boatnik

embody the essence of Memorial Day, honoring those who have served while bringing joy and unity to the residents of Grants Pass and beyond.

5 DAY OUTLOOK

SOURCE: WEATHER.COM

82/48

85/51 Partly cloudy, chance of rain 73/49

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Bingo at Riverside Park pavilion

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm: Monday Sundae, sponsored by Dairy Queen & Umpqua Dairy

As Boatnik continues to grow and evolve, the Grants Pass Active Club remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the community. Their tireless efforts ensure that Boatnik remains a cherished tradition, providing an opportunity for families and visitors to create lasting memories.

Join us for the grand finale of Boatnik this Monday, and be part of a tradition that celebrates community, heritage, and the spirit of giving back.

Boatnik celebrates the rich heritage of the Rogue River and the community spirit of Grants Pass. The festival's activities and events

YOUR RETIREMENT GUIDE TO YOUTHFUL LIVING Southern Oregon’s

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Discover Quality, Affordable Care with Team Senior –100% Free Assistance for You!

ASSISTED LIVING AND CAREGIVING HAVE EVOLVED, but not always for the better. Many companies are profiting significantly while the quality of care often stagnates or declines. This is a growing concern as the demand for long-term care among older adults strains our economy, with working adults sacrificing time and money to care for loved ones.

In 2021, the average hourly rate for a caregiver was $25. Today, it has soared to over $45, with agencies struggling to retain employees. Caregivers, the heart of these services, often receive a small fraction of what clients pay, exacerbating the problem.

This situation also impacts the mental health of middle-aged adults who juggle the needs of their children, aging parents, and careers. It’s a challenging balance, but there is help available.

At Team Senior, we know how to find affordable, reliable care. Often, we can secure services at half the cost you might be paying, with significantly better quality. Let us share our expertise with you.

Statistics show that at least 70% of people aged 65 today will require some form of care. Many will struggle to afford it. This is where Team Senior excels. We bring the most value by offering free consultations in a place where you feel comfortable and secure, often in your own home. We can discuss financial aids and options, including little-known loopholes in the Department of Human Services and VA programs. If you are in the hospital or rehab, we will meet you and your family there. We know how to assist in obtaining quality, affordable care and

can identify who is genuinely providing good care – not just sending out inexperienced caregivers.

While encouraging youth to become caregivers is important, we ensure they are matched appropriately to patients. Our goal is to provide the right caregiver for each individual, not just the available one.

Team Senior knows nearly every care-related company in Southern Oregon, from caregiving agencies to memory care facilities. Our value lies in sharing our extensive knowledge of who is doing it right. Our services are 100% FREE to you.

Even if you are not ready to make a move or hire a caregiver, we can help you explore your options. Don’t make decisions without proper guidance. Call us first. Let us share what’s really happening inside that beautiful assisted living facility that impressed you with a great meal. Sometimes, the reality behind the scenes is very different.

Quality caregivers and staff, supported by competent management and owners, are crucial. We know which companies can deliver on their promises and are happy to share that information with you.

Team Senior played a pivotal role in writing the original legislation in Oregon regulating the long-term care referral industry. We did this to protect you!

Lean on us as your biggest advocate. Our services are completely free! Visit us at www.teamsenior.org or call (541) 295-8230.