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Josephine County
Voters’ Pamphlet
This voters' pamphlet is provided for assistance in casting your vote by mail ballot.
Special Election
May 18, 2021
vote!
Ballots Mailing Dates
Military & Overseas---------April 2, 2021
Out of State------------------April 19, 2021
In State----------------------April 28, 2021
Rhiannon Henkels
Josephine County Clerk & Recorder
Are you registered to vote?
The receipt of this voters’ pamphlet does not guarantee you are a registered voter as voters’ pamphlets are mailed to each
household rather than each registered voter. You may check your registration status online at www.oregonvotes.gov or by
contacting your County Clerk's office at (541) 474-5243. The deadline to register to vote in this election is April 27, 2021.
Additional voter registration information is listed within this pamphlet.Greetings,
The May 18, 2021 Special Election is upon us!
In Oregon, regular district elections are held on the third Tuesday in May of every odd numbered year for the purpose
of electing members to the governing boards of the many districts that exist throughout the state. In Josephine County,
12 existing districts and 1 proposed district will have candidate races appear on the May special election ballot. Districts may
also choose to refer measures to the registered voters within their jurisdiction at a May special election.
Your pamphlet contains information on the candidates and measures to be voted upon at the upcoming election. The
measure text, explanatory statements, candidate statements, and measure arguments contained within your pamphlet are
printed as submitted and have not been verified for accuracy by the county.
What's on the Ballot?
Your ballot will only contain the candidate races and measures for which you are eligible to vote. In order to be eligible to vote
on a specific candidate race or measure, you must be an active registered voter within the district placing the race or measure
on the ballot. Therefore, it is important to know that not all of the candidate races and measures contained within your
pamphlet will appear on your ballot.
The following districts will have candidate races on the May 18, 2021 Special Election ballot:
Applegate Rural Fire Protection District #9 Merlin/North Valley Sanitary District
Grants Pass School District 7 Rogue Community College District
Illinois Valley Rural Fire Protection District Southern Oregon Education Service District
Josephine Community Library District Three Rivers School District
Kerby Water District Williams Rural Fire Protection District
Merlin Park District Wolf Creek Rural Fire Protection District
Proposed Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District
The following districts will have measures on the May 18, 2021 Special Election ballot:
Three Rivers School District
Proposed Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District
City of Grants Pass
Ballots!
Ballots are scheduled to be mailed to each registered voter on April 28th. If you are a registered voter and have not received
your ballot in the mail by Thursday, May 6th, please call your County Clerk’s office at (541) 474-5243 for assistance.
Postmarks do not count!
Your ballot must be received by your County Clerk’s office or deposited in an official ballot dropsite no later than 8:00 p.m.
on election day, May 18, 2021. If you have not mailed your ballot by May 11th, you should consider depositing it in an official
ballot dropsite to ensure that it is received before the deadline.
It’s your choice and it’s your voice!
I encourage you to exercise your right to vote. Casting your ballot is an easy and effective way to make your voice heard
throughout your community, your state, and your nation.
Sincerely,
Rhiannon Henkels
Josephine County Clerk & Recorder
500 NW 6th St, Department 1, Room 170 Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 474-5243
Notice: If a ballot is delivered to your address for someone who has moved or for someone who has passed away,
please write “RETURN” on the envelope and place it back in your mailbox or in an official ballot dropsite so our office
may make the necessary changes to the voter rolls.
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-2 Clerk’s LetterIndex to Voters’ Pamphlet
All candidates were invited to participate in this pamphlet. The following candidates submitted information.
Measures
Page
17-97 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17-8
17-98 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17-12
17-99 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17-18
Candidates
Page
Aguilera, Brenda....................................................................................................................................................... 17-24
Bassett, Karen (Kari) ............................................................................................................................................... 17-22
Benetti, Sr., Randy W............................................................................................................................................... 17-33
Binker, Michelle........................................................................................................................................................ 17-30
Bouchard, Richard Raymond................................................................................................................................... 17-30
Brault, Josette........................................................................................................................................................... 17-28
Brownell, Debbie...................................................................................................................................................... 17-21
Daugherty, Chelsea.................................................................................................................................................. 17-20
Durbin, Casey........................................................................................................................................................... 17-23
Fahey, Pat................................................................................................................................................................. 17-20
Gordon, Ronald........................................................................................................................................................ 17-19
Halstead, Rich.......................................................................................................................................................... 17-26
Hollenbeck, Jeff........................................................................................................................................................ 17-31
Hoxsey, Jeff.............................................................................................................................................................. 17-29
Johnson, Cheryl....................................................................................................................................................... 17-31
Johnstun, Jennifer.................................................................................................................................................... 17-26
Jones, Mark F........................................................................................................................................................... 17-33
Kahler, Danny........................................................................................................................................................... 17-35
Kleine, Peter.............................................................................................................................................................. 17-35
Middleton, Mary........................................................................................................................................................ 17-19
Nelson, Rick............................................................................................................................................................. 17-27
Neville, C Todd.......................................................................................................................................................... 17-24
Parker, Michael......................................................................................................................................................... 17-27
Porner, Paul.............................................................................................................................................................. 17-34
Richardson, Gary..................................................................................................................................................... 17-21
Ruby, Ron................................................................................................................................................................. 17-34
Samson, Laurel........................................................................................................................................................ 17-37
Searle, Jennifer........................................................................................................................................................ 17-25
Seligman, Mark J...................................................................................................................................................... 17-25
Selvig, Rachele......................................................................................................................................................... 17-36
Smith, Ron................................................................................................................................................................ 17-32
Spangler, Lynda........................................................................................................................................................ 17-36
Stewart, Douglas K................................................................................................................................................... 17-29
Swanson, Matthew J ............................................................................................................................................... 17-22
Underwood, Rob....................................................................................................................................................... 17-28
Wilkins, Cassie......................................................................................................................................................... 17-23
Yetter, Dorothy.......................................................................................................................................................... 17-32
Voting Instructions................................................................................................................................................... 17-4
Voter Registration Information................................................................................................................................ 17-6
Drop Site Locations................................................................................................................................................ 17-39
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-3 IndexHOW TO CAST WHAT IS A PREPAID
YOUR VOTE: POSTAGE ENVELOPE?
1. Complete your ballot You don’t have to find a stamp
To vote, completely fill in the box next to your With prepaid postage, you no longer have to
choice. search for a stamp to mail back your voted ballot.
To vote for a person not on the ballot, fill in the All ballots in Oregon will be sent to voters with
oval next to the “write-in” line, then neatly write a prepaid postage return envelope.
the name of the person on the line provided. How does it work?
You do not have to vote on all contests. Those If you mail back your voted ballot, the Post Office
you do vote on will still count. will charge the State of Oregon for each ballot
2. Check for errors sent back to an Elections Official.
If you vote for more options than are allowed, Only those ballots sent back through the mail
your vote will not count for that contest. will be charged to the State.
If you would like to change your choice on a What about Drop sites?
contest, draw a solid line through your original Using one of Josephine County’s 8 drop sites
choice, then make your next selection. is faster, cheaper and will reach us before the
If you think you made a mistake, call the Jose- deadline.
phine County Elections Office. Postmarks DO NOT count
3. Optional: Use the “secrecy” sleeve In Oregon, an Elections Official must have your
If you use the optional “secrecy” sleeve, put only ballot by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night. If your bal-
your voted ballot (not another person’s ballot) lot is still with the Post Office after 8:00 p.m. on
inside. Then, put only your secrecy sleeve inside Election night your vote will not count.
your return envelope.
Postmarks DO NOT count
(If we receive an envelope with more than one for ballots in Oregon!!
ballot inside, all enclosed ballots are rejected
and not counted.) If we have not received your ballot by
You are not required to use the “secrecy” 8:00 p.m. on Election Night, your vote
sleeve. will not count.
4. Sign your return envelope Return your ballot
You must sign your return envelope or your vote • By mail (only if you mail them by May 11,
will not count. 2021 - a week before the election)
We verify every signature on every envelope • At any Official Ballot Drop Site (see list on
against the voter files. the back of this pamphlet)
5. Return your ballot • At the County Clerk’s/Elections Office
• By mail – Stamps are no longer required
(ballot return envelopes in Oregon now use
prepaid postage)
• At any Official Ballot Drop Site (see list on
the back of this pamphlet)
• At the County Clerk’s/Elections Office
Josephine County Elections
web: www.co.josephine.or.us ph: (541) 474-5243
email: clerk@josephinecounty.gov tty: (800) 735-2900
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-4 Voting InstructionsOregon Voter Bill of Rights
Check Your Ballot!
You have the right to vote if you are
date or Make sure you have completely filled in the oval next to
a US citizen, are a resident of Oregon,
for your choices.
arken are 18 years old and are registered to
oice vote.
You have the right to receive
ame assistance in casting your ballot.
tely
vided You have the right to leave some
choices blank on your ballot. The
choices you do mark will still count.
If you vote for more candidates than allowed or if you
mber of
both
vote both Yes and No on a measure, it is called an You have the right to receive a new
overvote. Your vote will not count for that candidate or ballot if, prior to returning your ballot,
VOTE,
measure.
l NOT you make a mistake.
You have the right to vote if you are
in line to return your ballot at any
e for
official drop site by 8 PM on Election
Day.
in any You have the right to cast a secret
lerk's ballot.
You don't have to vote in all contests. Your other votes
will still count. You have the right to cast a
e
You cannot change your vote once you've mailed or “provisional ballot” if your name does
dropped off your ballot. not appear on the voter roll.
e
d. Contact the Josephine County Clerk's office to
ballot. request assistance if:
You have the right to choose
you make a mistake whether or not to register as a
the
your ballot is damaged member of a political party.
line.
your ballot is lost
you have any other questions.
You have the right to know if your
cked
ballot, including a “provisional ballot”,
the Contact: Josephine County Clerk's Office
unted. was counted.
phone: (541) 474-5243
website: www.co.josephine.or.us You have the right to vote if you
email: clerk@josephinecounty.gov have been convicted of a felony once
Oregon Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900
you have been released from custody,
rrive ORS 254.445 Assistance in Marking Ballot; Allowances and even if you are on probation or post-
later Limitations
Any voter who, due to a disability or inability to read or write, is prison supervision.
unable to mark their ballot may receive assistance. The assistance is
provided either by two persons of different political parties provided You have the right to file a
the by the county clerk or by some other person chosen by the voter.
Any person assisting a voter must follow the direction of the voter as
complaint with the Secretary of State
r than to how to vote the ballot. Also, the person assisting the voter must if you think your voting rights have
not afterwards give out any information about how the voter voted.
T Additionally, a person may not provide such assistance if they are an
been denied or if you believe any
drop employer of the voter or an agent of the employer. Also, a person fraudulent activity has occurred.
may not provide such assistance if they are an officer or agent of a
union of which the voter is a member. (Oregon Constitution, Sections 2 and 3; ORS Chapters
137, 246, 247, and 254; Vote By Mail Manual; Help
America Vote Act of 2002; OAR 165-001-0090 and 165-
007-0030)
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-5 Voting InstructionsVoter Registration Information
Registering to Vote What are the identification requirements?
1. If you have a current, valid Driver’s License, Permit or ID
To vote in Oregon you need to be registered in the county
where you reside. number issued by the State of Oregon Division of Motor
Vehicles (DMV), you must provide it in the boxes on the card.
You can register if you can answer yes to these three questions: A suspended Driver’s License is still valid; a revoked Driver’s
Are you a resident of Oregon? License is NOT valid.
Are you a US citizen? 2. If you do not have a current, valid Driver’s License, Permit or
Are you at least 17 years of age? ID number issued by the State of Oregon Division of Motor
Vehicles, you must affirm this on the card by marking the
If you are 17 years of age, you will not receive a ballot appropriate circle and you must then provide the last four
until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday. digits of your Social Security Number.
3.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you must affirm
How to register this on the card by marking the circle in indicating you do not
have a valid Driver’s License or Social Security number.
You can register to vote online at www.oregonvotes.gov
or you can get a voter registration card at any of the 4. If you do not have a Driver’s License, Permit, ID number, or
following places: a Social Security number, and you are registering by mail,
in this Voters’ Pamphlet you must provide a copy of one of the following which shows
any county elections office the voter’s name and current address:
the Secretary of State’s Office valid photo identification
some state agencies such as the Division of Motor Vehicles a paycheck stub
a voter registration drive a utility bill
a bank statement
You can also print out a registration card
a government document
online at: www.oregonvotes.gov.
proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens
You can fill the card out in person or send it in by US mail. Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) or the Voting Accessibility
for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEH)
To vote in the May 18, 2021, Special Election, your
completed voter registration card must be either: If you do not provide valid identification, you will not be
postmarked by Tuesday, April 27, 2021 eligible to vote for Federal races. You will, however, still
be eligible to vote for state and local contests.
delivered to a county elections office by Tuesday,
April 27, 2021
delivered to any voter registration agency (e.g., DMV) Updating your voter registration
byTuesday, April 27, 2021
Once you have registered, you are responsible for keeping
your information up to date. You can do this online at
If you register to vote online, your registration must
www.oregonvotes.gov or by completing and returning a
be submitted by 11:59pm on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
voter registration card with the new information. You should
update your registration if you do any of the following:
What information is required to register? change your home address
To complete your registration you will provide your: change your mailing address
Full legal name change your name
Home address change your signature
Date of birth want to change or select a political party
Signature will be away from home on election day
Valid identification
If you notify your county elections office of your change
of residence address after May 13, 2021, you must
request that a ballot be mailed to you or go to your
county elections office to get your ballot.
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-6 Voter Registration Information*5E8106*
qualifications
Clear Form Print Save As
SEL 500 rev 11/19
n
Are you a citizen of the United States of America? yes no
Are you at least 16 years of age? yes no
If you mark no in response to either of these questions, do not complete this form.
personal information *required information
last name* first* middle
Oregon residence address, city and zip code (include apt. or space number)*
date of birth (month/day/year)* county of residence
phone email
mailing address, including city, state and zip code (required if different than residence)
Oregon Driver's License/ID number political party
Not a member of a
Provide a valid Oregon Driver's License, Permit or ID:
party
Constitution
Democratic
I do not have a valid Oregon Driver's License/Permit/ID. Independent
The last 4 digits of my Social Security Number (SSN) are: Libertarian
Pacific Green
x x x-x x- Progressive
Republican
py Working Families
I do not have a valid Oregon Driver's License/Permit/ID or a
ur
SSN. I have attached a copy of acceptable identification. Other
signature I swear or affirm that I am qualified to be an elector and I have told the truth on this registration.
sign here date today
If you sign this card and know it to be false, you can be fined up to $125,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 5 years.
registration updates Complete this section if you are updating your information.
previous registration name previous county and state
H).
home address on previous registration date of birth (month/day/year)
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-7 Voter Registration CardMeasure 17-97 City of Grants Pass
If approved, the levy would remain unchanged from the
Referred to the People by the Grants levy that will expire June 30, 2021. The proposed levy
Pass City Council would continue to fund City Police and Fire services for the
17-97
next three years.
Police and Fire Funding. Over the past two decades, the
permanent property tax rates have not been enough to
Three-year City Police & Fire Local Option Tax. support Police and Fire. Police and Fire local option taxes,
such as this one, have been approved to provide Public
QUESTION: Shall Grants Pass renew a levy of $1.79
Safety funding.
per $1,000 dedicated to funding Police and Fire? This
Maintain Current Police and Fire Services. This local
measure renews current local option taxes.
option tax rate Levy would maintain current services
SUMMARY: This levy renews the current City Police and Fire including Police and Fire/Rescue emergency responses 24
Local Option levy ending June 30, 2021. Funds raised by the hours a day, 365 days a year. Other services include:
levy would be used solely for Grants Pass Police and Fire • 911 dispatch services
operations. • Traffic enforcement
• Vehicle crash/emergency medical response
What a YES vote will do:
• Gang prevention
Renew funding of the levy to continue police and fire
• Crime/fire prevention
response services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for • Detectives/Major crime investigations
three years starting July 1, 2021. • K-9 program
Public Safety services include: • Drug enforcement
• Neighborhood patrols • SWAT/Negotiation Team
• Detectives • Community policing/school programs
• Criminal investigation • Crisis support services
• Traffic enforcement • Fire protection/response
• Drug enforcement • Wildfire prevention
• Gang prevention Tax Impacts. This proposal is for a three-year local option
• 911/Dispatch services tax levy to fund City Police and Fire services from July
• SWAT/Negotiation Teams 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024. The tax rate for this levy
would be $1.79 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is
Fire Services include:
approximately $6,182,000 in fiscal year 2022, $6,367,000
• Fire protection in fiscal year 2023 and $6,558,000 in fiscal year 2024. The
• Fire response average Grants Pass home would pay $348 per year in
• Wildfire prevention efforts fiscal year 2022.
• Medical response
• Technical rescue
Renewal of Current Local Option Taxes. Renewing the
local option tax would continue to provide tax funding for
• Crisis support
Public Safety. Currently 22% of Public Safety budget is
What a NO vote will do: funded by the local option tax rate. If the levy is not approved,
Result in a 22% loss in current Public Safety funding. Not this tax resource would not be available to Public Safety.
funding the levy may result in a reduction or elimination of A loss of 22% to the Public Safety budget may impact the
the services listed above. ability to provide Police and Fire response time standards
for emergency calls. If approved, the levy rate would remain
This 3-year local option levy of $1.79 per $1,000 assessed
unchanged from the levy that will expire June 30, 2021.
value would fund City Police and Fire operations. The levy
would be approximately $348 per year for the average A “yes” vote would be in favor of the local option tax levy.
Grants Pass home. A “no” vote would be against the local option tax levy.
(This information furnished by Karen Frerk, Grants Pass City Recorder.)
Explanatory Statement
Continuation of current Police and Fire Service. This
local option tax is a renewal of the current City Police and
Fire levy at exactly the same rate.
• Since 1986, City voters have funded Police and Fire by
approving levies.
• 1996 - $4.13 per thousand set as Permanent Property
Tax Rate for City. This amount alone is insufficient to
fund Police and Fire services.
• 1998 - Local option tax levy established to help fund
Police and Fire operational services. This levy must be
renewed by voters. All local option tax levy monies are
dedicated to Police and Fire operations.
• 2010 - $1. 79 current local option tax rate approved by
voters. It has been renewed for one five-year levy, and
two three-year levies, for a total of 11 years.
• This current local option tax rate expires June 30, 2021.
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-8 MeasuresMeasure 17-97 Arguments
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
We urge you to vote YES for the City Police and Fire Levy Grants Pass Firefighters urge a YES vote on 17-97!
Safety is the top priority for those of us who do business and On behalf of the Grants Pass Professional Firefighters, we
live in Grants Pass. The $1.79 rate is a renewal of the current urge you to vote YES on Measure 17-97. This ballot measure,
City Police and Fire Levy rate. With this option, we would a renewal to the Public Safety levy, is crucial for firefighters
maintain current services including Police, Fire, Rescue, and to continue to provide prompt, highly skilled and professional
Emergency responses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. services you deserve in times of crisis.
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce For more than 20 years the Grants Pass Department of
Board of Directors supports the three-year tax levy to fund our Public Safety has been funded in part by a Public Safety levy,
Police, Fire, Emergency Services, and Dispatch. More than the failure in November 2020 proposed levy has placed your
ever these services are critical to our community’s growth and safety in jeopardy. The renewal levy rate at $1. 79 per $1000
wellbeing. assessed value will help provide vital funding for the next three
The current rate has been the same for the last 12 years. This years. A YES vote will also maintain fire services provided by the
proposed levy would fund these services for three years. All Department of Public Safety. This ensures that ALL fire stations
funds raised by the levy will be used solely for Police and Fire remain open, staffing levels remain at status quo and firefight-
operations. ers will respond to an emergency at your home or business
24/7/365. If the levy is not approved, resources and staffing
With a yes vote, we will continue to receive services including across the department will be reduced, in addition to elimina-
neighborhood patrols, drug enforcement, detectives, wildfire tions and reductions in response to certain types of incidents.
prevention efforts, crisis support, domestic violence, and more.
A no vote would result in a 22% loss of current public safety Our community should continue to have prompt, highly
that would reduce or eliminate services, resulting in negative skilled and professional firefighting, emergency medical re-
impacts to our community. sponse, and police services. A no vote could put you and your
family’s safety in jeopardy. Vote Yes on Measure 17-97!
Grants Pass must pass this levy to maintain our current
services and protect our community. We must have service 24
hours a day, 365 days a year to keep our community safe and (This information furnished by Marty Adamo, President, Grants Pass
allow businesses to grow and prosper. Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3564.)
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce
supports our Police, Firefighters, and Emergency responders!
Join us in voting YES to renew the City Police and Fire Levy!
(This information furnished by Josie Molloy, Grants Pass & Josephine
County Chamber of Commerce.)
“Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not “Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not
constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.” accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.”
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-9 ArgumentsMeasure 17-97 Arguments
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
In the years I have served on the Board of Women’s Crisis Since the 1980’s, a renewable Public Safety levy has partially
Support Team, it has been a great pleasure to witness the sup- funded the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety. We are
port of the community in ending domestic and sexual violence. very familiar with the levy process, having been employed by
Whether in donations of clothes for shelter residents, monetary GP Public Safety for over 50 years, collectively. Additionally, we
donations for the agency, or cards of kind words, WCST feels both held the position of Chief (Hanner 2004-2014 and Landis
the support of our community on a daily basis. Thank you! 2014 through 2019). During that time, we worked hard to com-
I’m writing to give you information about the vote to renew municate the importance of levy passage as it related to the
the Public Safety levy in Grants Pass, and the impact this vote services provided to the community.
will have on WCST and the families we serve. I know you will Over the years, there were several attempts by various Coun-
make your own thoughtful decision on this issue, this letter is cils to replace the levy with alternate revenue sources, but all
simply information for you as a supporter of WCST. were defeated at the ballot box. The current levy provides over
We are fortunate in Grants Pass to have a quick response $6 million dollars in revenue annually to the Department of
time from public safety patrols. Domestic violence can be a Public Safety budget. Failure of the levy would result in a 22%
pre-homicide call, and the safety of a domestic violence victim (approximate) budget shortfall, which we presume will lead to
and their children depends on a swift response. Domestic significant cuts to services. Some argue cuts can be made in
violence is also a dangerous situation for law enforcement, so other city departments. We know that is simply not possible, be-
any reduction in patrols will result in reduced safety for families cause delivering Police, Fire/Rescue and 911/Dispatch services
and for our officers. is costly and represents the largest portion of the city’s annual
operating budget.
WCST also receives critical funding for victim services
that relies on passage of the levy. WCST works alongside Pub- While the Pandemic has had tragic and devastating effects on
lic Safety officers as victim advocates, responding to the needs all our lives, including terrible impacts to local businesses, it is
of survivors. Our 24/7 crisis line helps many victims before they important to remember that Covid does not result in less de-
ever need to call public safety, and WCST provides safe shelter mand on police officers and firefighters. Through the pandemic,
for survivors with serious safety concerns. your police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, detectives and
other support staff have continued to provide you with profes-
In this time of budget cuts at every level, I fear that the sional 24 hour, 7 day per week emergency response. This levy
failure of the levy will mean a cut in victim services funding in represents zero change to what you pay today and locks the
our community. I know the City and the good people of Grants rate for three more years. If there was ever a time to assure our
Pass value the work of WCST, and we will continue to seek the community continues to remain safe as we emerge from the
support of Grants Pass Public Safety. Regardless, I feel it is pandemic and life returns to normal, this is absolutely the time.
important to share the negative affects to these vital community We urge you to vote yes in favor of Measure 17-97 and renew
supports should the levy fail. the Public Safety levy so police and fire/rescue response can
Thank you and please remember to vote. remain the same for the next 3-years.
(This information furnished by Jean Lucido, Women’s Crisis Support Team.) (This information furnished by William Landis / Joe Henner, Retired Grants
Pass Chiefs.)
“Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not “Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not
constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.” accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.”
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-10 ArgumentsMeasure 17-97 Arguments
Argument in Favor
The Grants Pass City Council endorses a YES vote
for Measure 17-97
Since 1986, Grants Pass voters have funded police and fire by
voting yes. Since 2010, the tax rate has been $1.79 per $1,000.
If approved, this levy would remain unchanged and would
continue current police and fire services. If the measure doesn’t
pass, Public Safety will lose more than 20 percent of their fund-
ing - resulting in a drastic reduction or elimination of services
for Grants Pass residents.
With the failure of the proposed $1.89 levy last November, the
2021 council was forced to find ways to cut $2 million from
the city’s budget while hoping the voters will come back and
approve the renewal of our existing $1.79 per thousand levy.
We have spent dozens of hours identifying ways to cut virtually
every department in order to maintain funding for a solid public
safety presence on which we can all continue to rely.
This renewal provides the department with almost a quarter of
their funding and without it the department would be critically
underfunded. Measure 17-97 is a renewal of the current police
and fire levy at exactly the same rate.
Maintaining safety for our community is our highest priority.
Please join the Grants Pass City Council and Mayor in voting
YES for Measure 17-97.
Yours in service,
Mayor Sara Bristol, Councilor Curtis Collins, Councilor Valerie
Lovelace, Councilor Rick Riker, Councilor Vanessa Ogier,
Councilor Brian DelaGrange, Councilor Joel King, Councilor
Rob Pell, and Councilor DJ Fazser
VOTE YES TO KEEP GRANTS PASS SAFE
(This information furnished by Grants Pass Mayor and City Councilors.)
“Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not
constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.”
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-11 ArgumentsMeasure 17-98 Josephine County
and suppression services, and any other services legally
Referred to the People by Josephine available under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 478.
County Board of Commissioners
Formation of the District would establish a unit of
17-98
government that is separate and distinct from the county.
The District would be governed by a five-member board
of directors. The District board would have its own powers
Form Rural Fire District with permanent rate to fund to perform necessary and authorized acts and would be
services responsible for the day to day operations of the District.
The District would be responsible for providing all hazard
QUESTION: Shall a fire protection district be formed with fire protection. The District board would determine what
permanent rate limit of $1.74 per $1,000 of assessed services to provide. The District board would also make
value beginning 7/1/2021? determinations about future needs of the District.
SUMMARY: If approved, the Josephine Independent Rural The District board would decide how to deliver fire protection
Fire Protection District would be formed as an independent services. There are many options for delivering such service.
district, with permanent funding dedicated to fire protection Services delivered could include fire response, medical
services in the district. emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, rescue emergencies,
and initial response to hazardous materials incidents.
The district would have powers granted to fire districts The District could also provide public education and fire
under state law. The district would be governed by a five- prevention services. The District could maintain a radio
member board of directors who are elected at the time of frequency to enable the dispatch of emergency services.
district formation. The district board would determine the
Formation of the District would provide a permanent source
fire protection, prevention and suppression services, and
of revenue to operate the District. If approved, the District
any other services legally available under ORS Chapter
would be formed with a permanent rate limit of $1.74 per
478. Services of this district would be available to properties
$1,000 of assessed property value up to a statutory limit.
within the boundaries of the district. The tax for the District is assessed against all structures
The boundary would include the areas of Josephine and the first five acres of land. If the tax lot is greater
County as shown on the map filed with the County Clerk. than five acres, those acres in excess of the five are not
The boundary would not include territory within already assessed to the District.
established, existing rural fire protections districts. The The District boundaries are as shown in the map in the
boundary would not include territory within the City of possession of the County Clerk. The proposed District
Grants Pass or the City of Cave Junction and would exclude consists of approximately 338 square miles (approximately
certain territories as set forth in ORS Chapter 478. 216,140 acres) of suburban and forested land and
An estimate of the amount raised in the first year is represents approximately 23,971 registered voters.
approximately $6.4 million dollars. (This information furnished by Josephine County Board of County
Commissioners.)
Explanatory Statement
Based on voter response to an advisory question on the
May 2019 ballot, the county formed an advisory committee
and contracted with Public Consulting Group, Inc. The
committee and consultant made recommendations to the
county, and the consultant provided an economic feasibility
statement regarding options for fire protection services in
the unprotected areas.
In December of 2020, the county initiated the formation of
a rural fire protection district organized under ORS Chapter
478 and held public hearings regarding the proposal.
In Josephine County there are four rural fire protection
districts: Applegate, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek.
The Illinois Valley District covers the city of Cave Junction,
and municipal fire protection service is provided in the city
of Grants Pass.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) provides
wildfire protection on ODF protected lands in Josephine
County. Much of Josephine County is not covered by a
governmentally provided structural fire service. Those
areas include the communities of Sunny Valley, Hugo, Fort
Vannoy, Merlin, Galice, Murphy, Wilderville, Wonder, North
Valley and Shan Creek. Optional fire protection services are
provided in those areas by private fire companies.
Passage of this measure would authorize the formation of
a rural fire protection district. The purpose of the District
would be to provide all hazard fire protection, prevention
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-12 MeasuresMeasure 17-98 Josephine County
County Boundary
Josephine Independent RFPD
±
Josephine Independent
0 3 6 Rural Fire Protection District
Miles
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-13 MeasuresMeasure 17-98 Arguments
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
The Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association (RVFCA) supports Jackson County Fire District #1 endorses the formation of a
Measure 17.98 which creates the formation of a new Jose- Rural Fire Protection District in Josephine County. Forming a
phine Independent Rural Fire Protection District. Rural Fire Protection District would give the taxpayers of the
The RVFCA’s mission includes fostering a strong collabora- proposed district oversight of their fire protection. The district
tion among emergency service resources in Josephine and would be governed by a five-person Board of Directors who
Jackson Counties. The RVFCA’s interest in supporting this are elected and accountable to you, the taxpayer. The Board
creation of a rural fire protection district is to ensure a publicly of Directors are required to meet monthly in a public forum.
accountable system of providing the most effective levels of This provides transparency of the management of the fire
fire protection services to all the citizens in Josephine County, district and gives you direct access to the Board of Directors.
while providing for the safety of the firefighters and first Currently, fire protection in the proposed district area is being
responders through the Rogue Valley Mutual Aid System. The provided by private companies who do not have to answer to
formation of a public-based, funded, and responsible rural fire the public.
protection agency maximizes public accountability in providing The newly formed Rural Fire Protection District would have
emergency services A rural fire protection district through its mutual aid agreements with all other fire departments in Jack-
elected leadership and community support, assess the com- son and Josephine County. These agreements are established
munity’s risk, determines an appropriate level of risk tolerance, through the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association. The Rural
and establishes an operational strategy and funding to achieve Fire Protection District that would be formed by voting yes
the risk tolerance. would be able to use the apparatus and personnel of all other
Please vote yes for measure 17.98 and create a rural fire pro- fire departments in Jackson and Josephine County simply by
tection district in Josephine County. requesting additional alarm levels on the radio. This service
is free of charge, would not cause additional costs to the
Respectively, taxpayers of the district, and would eliminate surprise billing to
Justin Bates, RVFCA Vice President residents after an emergency.
On behalf of the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association The Rural Fire Protection District would be formed at a tax
rate of $1.74 per $1000 of assessed value. This is a fair rate,
(This information furnished by Justin Bates, Vice President, Rogue Valley and cheaper than Rural Metro’s subscription rate of $1.94
Fire Chiefs Association.) per $1000 of assessed value. Forming the Fire District would
establish stable and predictable funding for your fire protection.
Mike Hammond
Fire Chief
Jackson County Fire District 1
(This information furnished by Mike Hammond, Fire Chief, Jackson
County Fire District 1.)
“Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not “Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not
constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.” accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.”
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-14 ArgumentsMeasure 17-98 Arguments Argument in Favor Argument in Favor Rural Metro Fire (RM) endorses the formation of the “Jose- As a former State Fire Marshal responsible for the unprotected phine Independent Rural Fire Protection District”. area in question, I can assure you that this Fire District is an For over 40 years, RM has been filling the void of publicly idea way past due. It is badly needed, as the area has been funded community fire and life safety services for the com- subject to decades of hodge-podge services, often of question- munities surrounding Grants Pass and Merlin. A void that 267 able quality, and the buyer beware system has left hundreds in other communities across Oregon have opted to cover using debt or without critical services during times of need. a traditional fire district. The current formula that uses unregu- Of those objecting to the ballot measure, most are focused on lated private fire providers was never expected to last this long. one single factor: cost. That’s because most of them have been And while RM has enabled the perception of it being good enjoying a free ride paid for by their neighbors that support lo- enough, it remains wrought with many problems. Across a 350 cal fire protection. These people will see an increase under the square mile area with a substantial risk profile to recreational- ballot measure, while the majority of their neighbors, those that ist, motorists, and property owners exposed to a variety of have been picking up the tab, will see a rate reduction. threats including our infamous wildfire season, nearly a third Join me in voting yes, and ending decades of fire protection of the residents have avoided supporting the 24/7 readiness of chaos. By passing the district and placing a publicly elected a well-equipped and staffed response force that answers the board in charge of fire services, the area will have public ac- call each day. The inclusion of that third of residents by means countability and transparency for the first time. of this proposed fire district, helps ensure stable funding at a rate lower than most RM customers face now, yet provides a Deputy Oregon State Fire Marshal Charles Chase (retired) path for many great improvements that can lessen the effects of catastrophic emergencies. With Redwood Highway listed as (This information furnished by Charles Chase.) one of the deadliest in America, and Merlin at the pinnacle of risk from wildfire in Oregon, a fire district managed by fiscally responsible board members, stands a great chance to change our hazard profile. An all-inclusive fire district also eliminates the expensive response fees imposed when services are ren- dered to those residents who didn’t prepare for an emergency. RM’s tenure of reliability strengthens our confidence that we will remain an active solution to the service delivery formula needed to make this new fire district a success. Please join us in voting YES on measure 17.98 (paid for by Rural Metro Fire of Josephine County) (This information furnished by Austin Prince, Rural Metro Fire.) “Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not “Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.” accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.” Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet 17-15 Arguments
Measure 17-98 Arguments
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
WHAT DOES THE MEASURE DO? Our commitment at Concierge Home and Business Watch
Passage of Local Measure 17.98 would create a Fire District in (CHBW) is to prevent or reduce crime and increase safety in
the areas of Josephine County not currently served by a Fire our communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This same
District. It would be governed by a five member elected group level of commitment with additional resources are needed
of local volunteers. The District would operate completely in- to prevent or reduce incidents of fires throughout Josephine
dependently of the County Commissioners. The County would County. As it is for CHBW, this is a very expensive endeavor
have no control of the District’s finances or policies. with daunting responsibilities to have trained, qualified, certi-
fied, licensed, and dedicated personnel on duty and available
The creation of this District is necessary to effectively manage 24/7. If we do not work diligently every single day to create
emergency services and create an entity for planning, coordi- safer communities, the problems will quickly become unman-
nation and grant funding. ageable. We need dedicated resources to saturate our com-
WHY HAS THIS BEEN PROPOSED? munities with preventive and proactive measures to make the
• Mitigates the potential for catastrophic fire events in Jose- greatest impact. This is very difficult when services are funded
phine County. solely by individual subscribers.
• Allows community input and transparency in how tax dol- With only two private fire companies currently covering all the
lars are used to increase the safety of unprotected areas of Josephine County, we can’t sufficiently
the community. saturate the community with prevention and suppression
• Ensures you are protected by highly trained, well- measures. The only present option is to service subscribers,
equipped, and professional men and women. support other fire agencies as best they can, and hope they are
• Creates an entity to access government grants and fund- reimbursed for costs of servicing non-subscribers. The gaps in
ing to improve delivery of services. this system are far and wide, leaving our properties and com-
• Eliminates expensive service fees to residents who do not munities vulnerable.
subscribe to any provider. By passing a fire district, those holes can be filled so that every
• Allows coordination and protection of our community by property in Josephine County has access to the same profes-
creating a complete network for emergency services in sional, well trained, and properly equipped personnel providing
Josephine County. essential fire protection. Only then can we be more proactive
by directing services toward fire prevention, and being more re-
Almost 30% of property owners in these areas have chosen sponsive when fire, medical, traffic crashes, Haz Mat or rescue
to not contribute to the provision of emergency services. This emergencies occur.
means that if you are a current subscriber to one of the private No one wants to pay more taxes. But, when we are confident
fire companies, you are subsidizing their protection. Fire pro- we will get a big bang for our buck, and the tax will give us
tection, law enforcement and the military are societal responsi- peace of mind in knowing that someone is working 24/7 to
bilities. No one should have the option of not participating. make us safer and be there when we need them, we are will-
WHY DO THIS? ing to pay. Help us make and keep our communities safe from
• Creates a designated entity to provide fire and life safety crime AND fire. Vote YES on Measure 17.98!
services in the unprotected area of the community
• Provides a standard by which all aspects of fire sup- (This information furnished by Julie Thomas, Concierge Home and
pression and prevention will be uniform Business Watch.)
• Eliminates disproportionate cost of services to indi-
vidual property owners
• Allows for coordination with existing emergency
services in the local, state and federal emergency
services community.
Paid for by the Yes on Fire District Committee
Brian Robinson, Chairman
(This information furnished by Brian Robinson.)
“Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not “Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not
constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.” accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.”
Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
17-16 ArgumentsMeasure 17-98 Arguments Argument in Favor A rural fire protection district affords benefits that are easily overlooked. According to the state ORS 478, a rural fire protec- tion district will be led by a board of directors made up of com- munity members that reside within the district boundaries who are subject to Special Districts Association of Oregon training. The benefit of elected members is they are just as affected by their own decisions as their neighbors are. Their input is based on the topics, events, concerns, and directions the commu- nity of the district is concerned with. The effectiveness and performance of the fire district are ultimately in the power of the voters. When dealing with a private agency, this is not always the case or the best interest for those that have no investment in the community in which they serve. In accordance with ORS 478.960, the board has the statutory authority to help the fire chief address concerns that pertain to public fire and life safety issues. Each meeting of the Board of Directors provides room for public input. The rural fire protection district will have training available for board members to utilize for their own overall effectiveness and sets a standard for all members of the fire district to meet. That means appropriate training will be met according to the Depart- ment of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Mem- bers will work cohesively across the board when conflagrations and other regional fire events take place to help formulate and meet a unified command system. The current tax rate is one of the cheaper tax rates in the county next to the Williams Rural Fire Protection District. This tax rate allows for volunteerism, community involvement, tax- payer input, and overall coverage based on each homeowner’s participation. This provides for no limitations in coverage or loss of service OR reduction in quality versus the challenges of paying corporate private agencies. Rick Vetter, Fire Chief Williams Rural Fire Protection District (This information furnished by Rick Vetter, Fire Chief, Williams Rural Fire Protection District.) “Measure arguments are printed as submitted. The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Josephine County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.” Official Josephine County 2021 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet 17-17 Arguments
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