City of Grants Pass City Council Workshop June 15, 2026

The City of Grants Pass City Council held a workshop on June 15, 2026, focusing primarily on two key procurement-related topics: a compensation study for non-bargaining city employees and the feasibility of establishing a municipal court. The council discussed engaging a consulting firm for a comprehensive compensation survey with a not-to-exceed fee of $27,500, including potential additional costs for expanding comparator organizations. The study aims to provide market-aligned pay structure recommendations to support budget planning. The municipal court discussion centered on implementation options, costs, and operational impacts, including staffing needs, potential revenue from fines, and the handling of misdemeanors versus violations. Council members debated the cost-benefit of starting with violations only or including misdemeanors, with concerns about addressing public safety and the "catch and release" issue. A motion passed unanimously directing staff to return with a formal implementation and budget proposal for a municipal court including jail bed contracts and misdemeanor handling, as well as exploring grant opportunities. The council also discussed a resolution to support repealing or reforming state statute SB 48 related to bail and pretrial detention, with plans to draft a resolution pending further discussion and vote.