Grants Pass council backs moving proposed SOPs for legislative advocacy to a formal meeting

Grants Pass councilors on Wednesday reviewed proposed standard operating procedures intended to govern the city’s legislative advocacy and clarify when staff may submit testimony or letters on the city’s behalf.

Aaron (city manager) told the workshop the SOPs are designed to "preserve the traditional policy‑making authority of the mayor and council while providing staff with the agility needed to respond quickly to rapid developing matters in the Oregon legislature and public agencies." Under the draft, staff may act on time‑sensitive matters only when the action is consistent with previously adopted council priorities or focused on protecting established city revenue, operations or compliance obligations.

Consultant Greg Limhouse of United Strategies summarized recent state activity and urged the council to adopt biennial priorities the city manager and staff can follow. "This week in particular is consequential," Limhouse said, noting the state had identified an "approximately $350,000,000 shortfall" that will drive quick rule‑making and reduction proposals.

Councilor Joel moved, and Councilor Seth seconded, to direct staff to format the SOPs and bring them forward for formal adoption at a future business meeting. The council indicated majority support for that direction during the workshop; staff said they will prepare a resolution, background materials and a session report for council review before any formal vote.

The SOPs as presented also say staff will not advocate for new taxes, fees or major policy shifts without explicit council direction, and that the city manager will notify the mayor and council as soon as practicable after any testimony or letter is submitted on the city’s behalf.

Next steps: staff will prepare the SOPs and supporting materials as a business‑meeting item so the full council can consider formal adoption.