Grants Pass, Ore — After numerous failed attempts, a new effort is being made to try and fund law enforcement in Josephine County.
This time a committee is reaching out to Oregon Governor Kate Brown.
”A public safety fiscal emergency is occurring or imminent” – That’s the message the Josephine County based ‘Local Public Safety Coordinating Council’ wants to send to legislators.
The group, made up of public officials and citizens talked about the pros and cons of asking the state to step in and help with paying for law enforcement in the county.
The committee decided Wednesday that action was needed before the county reaches a fiscal cliff in 2017 and 2018 where even more cuts to the Sheriff’s Office and juvenile justice system could occur.
“We’re not asking for the state to carry Josephine County’s public safety problem into the future, but just an 18 month reprieve to help us buy time to help us find a solution,” said Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel.
The idea to declare a public safety fiscal emergency was first proposed by county commissioner Cherryl Walker.
If approved the state would match funds raised by the county for law enforcement. How those funds are raised has been an issue during county commissioner meetings.
The public safety council will now write up a letter to send to county representatives for their help in bringing the matter to the Governor’s desk.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.