Funding issues dominate public safety group discussion
From our weekly issue dated July 14, 2010
Concerns regarding long and short-term financial issues were aired during the 50-minute long Thursday, July 8 meeting of the Local Public Safety Coordinating Committee (LPSCC) at Grants Pass City Hall.
The committee“s chairman, Josephine County Commissioner Dwight Ellis, stated that efforts are under way to include a 10-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools Act into President Obama“s 2011-12 budget.
Ellis said that the funding extension would be at levels from 2009, which would mean $10 million per year for Josephine County. He said this is the “best campaign we“ve ever done“ in Washington, D.C. for the federal payments program.
It“s anticipated that approximately 37 states will help lobby for the extension, Ellis said, adding that it could be headed by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
However, Ellis cautioned that it won“t be easy.
“It“s going to be a tough sell because of the economy,“ he observed.
Circuit Court Judge Lindi Baker said that because of looming state budget cuts, there could be reductions to the county“s popular and effective drug court program.
Baker said that the county has had four Circuit Court judges and one pro tempore judge for much of the past decade. However, the pro-tem position was left vacant more than a year ago, she said, and caseloads continue to rise in most categories.
Public Health Director Belle Shepherd said that her department will not be affected much by state funding cuts. “We“re hoping that we“re going to be status quo for now,“ Shepherd said.
Sheriff Gil Gilbertson said that his department could lose $30,000 in funding that normally would come from the county“s community corrections department. But Gilbertson added that the sheriff“s office likely can make up that sum elsewhere.
“I think we“ll be fine and not compromise where we“re at right now,“ he said.
The sheriff added that he is continuing to work out the details of implementing a justice of the peace system. He said that “might be an avenue to lessen some of the pressure“ on the court system, and that he“s “getting close“ to presenting a proposal to other county officials.
The concept of regionalizing the county“s jail in Grants Pass still is being examined, Gilbertson said. He said that Curry County might eventually have to close its facilities, and could house its inmates in Josephine County. Beds at the jail also could be rented to Jackson County, Gilbertson said.
LPSCC“s next meeting is set for Oct. 14.
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