City of Grants Pass, Local Government

09/02/2026

Following recent light rainfall and a trend of cooler temperatures, including continued lower overnight temperatures, the fire danger level in the City of Grants Pass is decreasing from “extreme” (red) to “high” (yellow), effective immediately on September 2, 2026.

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and the updated restrictions affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, w**d eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will now be allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Mowing green, irrigated lawns is allowed at any time.

Details are listed below:

Public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, w**d eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.
Smoking in areas of flammable vegetation is prohibited.
Open wood-fueled fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed.
Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Each power saw is required to have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity. A fire watch of at least one hour is required following the use of the saw.
Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal in areas of flammable vegetation is not allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The mowing of dried, cured grass will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine in areas of flammable vegetation not specifically mentioned will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, this equipment must be used in a cleared area, and a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available.
The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may approve, in writing, a modification or waiver of these requirements. For more information about the City of Grants Pass Fire Season regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200.

08/31/2026

Councilors Seth Benham and Kathleen Krohn will be guests on KAJO 99.7 FM at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to discuss important issues facing our community. Tune in to hear what they say, and call in with your comments and questions.

08/31/2026

FYI...

Case Update: 2026-00029322

On August 26, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., officers from the Grants Pass Police Department were dispatched to a report of a physical disturbance near the Anne Basker Auditorium in the 600 block of Sixth Street. It was reported that individuals were physically fighting in the street. Upon initial investigation, officers found that two adult males had been involved in an altercation; however, statements from the involved parties and witnesses were inconsistent.

A citizen video showing a portion of the incident was circulated online and reviewed by officers. Knowing that additional videos might exist that captured the full altercation, no arrests were made that day pending a thorough investigation.

After obtaining and reviewing additional video evidence, officers were able to assess the entire incident. Based on this review, probable cause was established for the arrest of both men on charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. David T. Haury (39) of Grants Pass and Edgar M. Pelfrey (62) of Grants Pass were arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on August 31, 2026.

This incident occurred during a protest event and involved individuals with opposing viewpoints, contributing to a highly charged atmosphere. The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the community’s patience as officers worked to gather all available information and fully understand what occurred prior to making an arrest.

No further information will be released at this time.

08/31/2026

Please join us at 10 am on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for the ribbon-cutting of the new Track Trails Kiosk on Fruitdale Trail. The ribbon-cutting will be at the SE Overland Drive access point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Db3n44J6cFhMSDtKA

The Track Trail was made possible by a donation from Oregon Parks Forever, a non-profit organization that sponsors Track Trails throughout the state. Track Trails is a nationwide program where organizations set up kiosks along trail corridors, providing pamphlets that contain scavenger hunts for children to complete during their walks. This initiative keeps children engaged in the outdoors and adds an element of fun to their walking experiences.

08/31/2026

We’ve heard from some business owners and want to give others an opportunity to respond, so we’ve extended the deadline for the Small Business Taskforce Survey to 5 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026.

The Grants Pass City Council created the Small Business Task Force to help inform them of issues relevant to business owners in Grants Pass. This survey will help the Task Force collect data and prioritize issues impacting the local business community.

Follow this link to take our survey: https://bit.ly/GPSBTFsurvey

08/31/2026

CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES for the week of August 30, 2026:
Link for more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/grantspassor

Engineering Projects Supervisor (NEW) - Full-Time - $69,624.26 - $93,488.93
GIS Supervisor Full-Time - $62,714.00 - $84,210.00
Police Officer - Full-Time - $73,783.58 - $100,074.83

08/28/2026

If you have great communication skills, the drive to learn, and are seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career, apply today! This position works rotating shifts, including days, nights, and weekends. High call volume and a fast-paced environment are part of being a City of Grants Pass Police Officer.
Salary: $73,783.63 - $100,074.83 Annually
Closing Date: 9/11/2026, 5:00 PM Pacific
Follow this link to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/grantspassor/jobs/5446821/police-officer?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

08/28/2026

Play ball this fall at Reinhart Volunteer Park. To learn what other improvements were made in the City, please read the City Manager’s Weekly Report: https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24712/Weekly-Report

08/25/2026

Office Assistant – Public Works Fleet Division
Hourly Salary Range: $19.38 - $26.02
This is a full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on-site position.
Summary of Benefits
–Health Insurance
–Dental Insurance
–Retirement: The City participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City pays the employee’s 6% contribution under each collective bargaining agreement and the personnel rules at this time.

Follow this link to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/grantspassor/jobs/5440125/office-assistant-full-time?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

08/24/2026

Movies in the Park, August 28: The LEGO Batman, Redwood Park. Sponsored by Rogue Credit Union.