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Council grants 10-year property tax exemption to Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association
Summary
Grants Pass council approved a 10-year real and personal property tax exemption for the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association under ORS 307.115; the resolution passed 7–1 with one councilor voting no.
The Grants Pass City Council approved a resolution granting a real and personal property tax exemption to the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 307.115. The council vote was 7–1, with Councilor Kathleen voting no.
City staff told the council the organization meets the statutory requirements and has historically received the exemption for about 30 years, but the county assessor requested the city — as the governing authority inside city limits — act on the current request. Staff noted the exemption is granted for a 10-year period and may be renewed in additional 10-year periods.
Councilors asked staff questions about the property components (stadium, track and parking) and whether the exemption applies to other adjacent facilities such as soccer fields; staff clarified the exemption request covers the horse-racing property and operations only. Staff said the county owns the land and that the association leases it for limited months each year for racing operations. One councilor asked whether the nonprofit provides measurable community benefits; staff said the city does not have that economic-impact detail and that the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association would be the source for tourism or revenue figures.
Rob moved approval of the resolution; Seth seconded. Roll-call voting recorded Yes from Victoria, Seth, Eric, Indra, Rick, Joel and Rob; Kathleen voted No. The resolution passed.
