Cassanelli questions development funds allocation
From our weekly issue dated May 06, 2009
Josephine County Commissioner Sandi Cassanelli said that she disagrees with the use of economic development funds to the county’s planning department.
Economic development projects include $10,000 for expanding the city of Grants Pass Urban Growth Boundary; $6,500 for sewer improvements to the North Valley Industrial Park; $6,800 for an airport rezoning; and $50,000 for an economic development facilitator.
Cassanelli stated her objections during the Budget Committee’s meeting Thursday, April 23. She said that some of the economic development allocations involve the Paradise Ranch Resort project in Merlin, and added that small developers don’t ask for public dollars.
“I can’t approve so much money going to the planning office for this project,” she said.
Committee Vice Chairman Dave Toler said that he thinks it is “justified” to use economic development funds for use by the planning office. Chairman Dwight Ellis agreed, and stated that citizens have asked the county to bring in more businesses and increase the tax base. The Paradise Ranch project will help accomplish both goals, Ellis said.
Slightly more than 20 people attended the Budget Committee meeting at Anne G. Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass, and most were county department managers. However, a couple of citizens who attended did sound off on budget-related issues.
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Grants Pass resident Dale Matthews asked the committee how the county is planning for when federal safety net money runs out.
George Long, also a Grants Pass resident, requested that the county bolster its military veterans services by budgeting for an additional two or three positions for that purpose.
For more information on the county’s proposed budget, visit co.josephine.or.us.
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