Recent discussions in Josephine County have brought to light concerns regarding the use of Title III funds and the premature cancellation of the Firewise contract with the City of Grants Pass. Citizens have voiced their worries about potential misappropriation of federal funds, prompting scrutiny over the county’s financial management, especially in relation to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and the Firewise program.
During a series of public meetings, commissioners John West and Herman Baertschiger dismissed citizen concerns, stating that those raising questions “don’t know what they are talking about.” However, temporary Commissioner, Andreas Blech requested further information when another citizen echoed these concerns, prompting a closer examination of the issues at hand.
The Firewise program, designed to reduce wildfire risks, had been funded through a contract with the City of Grants Pass, which was unexpectedly terminated. The contract, valued at approximately $140,000 annually, had been spending closer to $100,000 in recent years and was scheduled to run until December 2025. The decision to cancel the contract came as a surprise, with city representatives stating they were informed just one day before the meeting where the decision was discussed.
The county’s financial director projected a Firewise/SAR ending fund balance of $743,000 for FY2025, leading to questions about the justification for the contract’s termination. Despite concerns about funding, it was noted that the Firewise program had not fully utilized its budget in previous years, raising doubts about the necessity of the cuts.
Josephine County has been utilizing Title III funds for both Search and Rescue and Firewise program costs. While the Firewise program’s expenses are allowable under Title III, the use of these funds for SAR operations is more restricted. Title III funds can only be used for the hard costs of actual emergency responses, training for responses on national forest land, and capital equipment. They cannot be used for regular operating expenses, such as facility costs, salaries for routine work, and other non-emergency-related expenses.
Despite these restrictions, the county has reportedly allocated over $200,000 in Title III funds to SAR annually, a significant increase from the $10,000 per year budgeted for SAR reimbursements in previous years. This discrepancy has led to concerns about potential misuse of federal funds, with some questioning how the county can budget such high amounts for emergencies without knowing the actual number or severity of incidents in advance.
Additionally, recent data from the State SAR Coordinator shows a lower number of SAR missions than claimed by the county, further complicating the justification for the increased budget. For instance, the county reported eight SAR missions in 2020 and 2021, three in 2022, and six in 2023, yet the funding for these operations has skyrocketed.
The discussions also highlighted a potential issue with the county’s obligation to spend Title III funds before the September 30, 2026, deadline, after which any unspent funds must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. This has raised the question of whether the Firewise program should be reinstated to full strength or if two full-time coordinators are necessary to ensure proper use of the funds.
The concerns expressed by citizens and some commissioners suggest a need for a thorough investigation into the county’s use of Title III funds in the 2023 and 2024 budgets. Ensuring compliance with federal regulations and maintaining transparency in financial management are critical to restoring public trust and safeguarding essential programs like Firewise and SAR.
As the community awaits further action, the focus remains on accountability and the proper allocation of resources to protect both the financial integrity of the county and the safety of its residents.
