Commission backs timber harvest for JoCo bucks
From our weekly issue dated June 4, 2008
Full backing toward increasing timber revenues, and the possibility of a bed tax are among suggestions for long-term funding supported by the Josephine County Board of Commissioners.
The board is “not favorable” to a recommendation for a consumption tax.
Commissioners, in a written response, stated that the Census Bureau indicates that “a 1.5 percent retail consumption tax could provide more than $13 million annually in unrestricted revenue to fund public safety.
“At this time, the board is not favorable to this option. Commissioner (Dave) Toler is in favor of this option as long as it was capped at 1.5 percent and there is an exemption from the tax for items of more than $10,000 in value.”
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The board accepted a final report from the county Task Force on Long-Term Funding for Public Safety during a meeting in Grants Pass on Thursday, May 28. Commissioners the next day issued their comments on the recommendations.
Regarding O&C funds, the board stated that it “is in full support toward increasing timber revenues off of O&C lands, and supports lobbying efforts by the Association of Oregon Counties, and the O&C Counties Association to achieve that goal.”
Regarding a bed tax, the board wrote that it “is receptive to further exploring this concept. As noted, 70 percent of these funds would have to be restricted to tourism activities and could benefit our fairgrounds and our parks programs.
“Applying the tax to beds outside the city of Grants Pass would provide for more parity across the county,” the board wrote. “At this point,” commissioners continued, “the board would prefer a 9 percent (tax) outside Grants Pass to ensure countywide parity. Voter approval would be required.
“Commissioner (Dwight) Ellis is in favor of replacing property tax statewide with a sales tax. However, this would require action from the state Legislature.”
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Regarding operational efficiencies, the committee recommends hiring a county manager. The board noted:
(We) do “not support this recommendation. Commissioner Toler has a dissenting opinion on this issue.”
Regarding having five commissioners instead of three, the board responded that it “has no official position on this matter. However, increasing the number requires a charter amendment, and it is therefore up to the citizens of Josephine County.”
Other recommendations not met with approval by the board include a aggregate mining fee, and a vehicle registration fee.
