In an unexpected turn of events, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a new lease for the Grants Pass library branch -- but only after adding back a clause that undermines months of negotiations.
Board Chair Andreas Blech introduced an amendment to reinstate the "termination for convenience" provision, allowing either party to end the lease with just 30 days' notice. The Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve the amended lease agreement.
Josephine Community Library Vice-President Rachele Selvig said the amendment puts them right back where they started. She said "after months of good-faith negotiations, the outcome does not provide the stability the community deserves."
On January 6th, the Commissioners abruptly voted to terminate the district's $1-per-year lease for the Grants Pass library, triggering months of uncertainty. In May, Commissioner Chris Barnett was appointed lead negotiator, meeting with library leaders and legal counsel through July to develop new terms.
Library leaders said that draft reflected a fair compromise: the district would assume additional maintenance costs plus an amortized contribution toward the roof replacement on the building at 200 NW C Street. In return, the County would maintain the $1-per-year lease commitment for the next five years, with no option to terminate during that time except for cause. The vote did not reflect the pact.
By reintroducing the "termination for convenience" clause, library leaders said the Commissioners have undone the core assurance of stability the district required.
The JCL Board of Directors met last night at the Grants Pass branch for its regular monthly meeting and discussed the issue in open session. The district will continue to keep the public informed as the situation develops.
