GRANTS PASS — The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is calling on the Josephine County Board of Commissioners to reconsider the Sheriff’s budget ahead of the final vote on the county budget scheduled for June 18.
The Chamber is urging the commissioners to adopt the original budget proposed by the Sheriff’s Office, rather than the reduced version approved earlier this month by the county’s Budget Committee. The Chamber’s leadership argues that doing so would honor the expectations of county voters who supported a tax increase last year to improve public safety services.
In 2023, county voters approved the formation of the Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District, a dedicated funding measure designed to bolster the Sheriff’s Office and provide consistent 24-hour patrols and broader public safety coverage throughout the county. The district’s approval was seen as a clear mandate from voters seeking to address long-standing gaps in law enforcement services.
This year, the Sheriff’s Office proposed a budget that would deliver on those voter expectations, requesting nearly $2 million less in general fund contributions compared to previous years due to the new dedicated funding. However, on June 9, the Josephine County Budget Committee—comprising three county commissioners and three public members—approved a countywide budget that reduced general fund allocations by 12% for most departments. While the Sheriff’s budget was not subjected to this across-the-board cut, the committee ultimately adopted a version of the Sheriff’s budget recommended by the county’s budget officer, which the Chamber contends does not fully support the staffing and service levels necessary to meet public expectations.
The committee’s vote has sparked concern among local business leaders, who see adequate public safety funding as a critical component of both community well-being and economic stability. The Chamber argues that underfunding law enforcement erodes public trust and risks undermining the very improvements voters sought through their support of the service district.
During the June 9 meeting, several commissioners voiced verbal support for the Sheriff’s Office. However, the final budget vote did not align with those statements of support, raising questions about the county’s fiscal priorities.
The Chamber maintains that public safety is a fundamental responsibility of local government and should be protected from budgetary reductions that could compromise community security. Business leaders stress that reliable law enforcement services contribute to a more attractive environment for both residents and economic investment.
With the final county budget still pending approval, the Chamber is encouraging both county leaders and the public to reconsider the funding levels for the Sheriff’s Office. Chamber representatives believe that adopting the Sheriff’s originally proposed budget would both honor the will of the voters and ensure that the county is positioned to provide the level of public safety its residents expect and deserve.
The final vote on the budget will take place during the Board of Commissioners’ meeting on June 18. The Chamber is urging local residents and business owners to engage in the process and voice their support for full funding of the Sheriff’s Office at that meeting.