Troutdale to join intercity task force on fire services; Council names representative

Troutdale — The City Council reported progress on regional talks about long-term fire and emergency medical service delivery and agreed to take part in a proposed intercity task force. The task force, proposed by Gresham city officials and discussed at a recent work session, will convene representatives from four cities and other stakeholders to explore whether to form a fire district or pursue alternative arrangements.

City staff described the task force as a problem-solving group that would include the four mayors, four city managers, a city council representative from each city, the fire chief, a union representative and a representative from Fire District 10. The council heard that the task force could begin meeting in October and work over coming months to lay out options and terms that would eventually be presented to each city council and, if a district were recommended, to voters for final approval.

Councilors discussed representative appointments. Councilor Allen said scheduling conflicts would probably prevent her sustained participation and recommended appointing Councilor Jeffrey Vaughn, who has participated in the public-safety working group. "I am perfectly willing," Vaughn said when the council asked if he would serve. Paul Wilcox, a member of the public, urged the council to appoint someone likely to remain in office for several years so the city’s representation would be continuous throughout what may be a multi-year process: "I would strongly recommend the council representative be someone who was elected to a 4 year term in 2024 who will be, you know, be there through 2028," he said during public comment.

Council members emphasized the task force does not itself make binding financial decisions for any city; any move to create a fire district would require council approval and a public vote in the affected jurisdictions. Staff said an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) would be needed with Gresham as an interim step while the task force completes its work. The council agreed to participate, and the mayor and Councilor Jeffrey Vaughn will represent Troutdale on the task force; councilors said they expect the task force meetings to be public and to return proposals to the Troutdale public-safety working group and council for deliberation.

Why this matters: Several councilors said the current cost of contracted fire and EMS is creating pressure on the city general fund and is not sustainable long term. The task force is intended to produce a feasible path forward — including options such as a multi-jurisdiction fire district or revised contracting arrangements — that each city can present to voters if desired. The council stressed that any district or tax changes would only happen after public-engagement and a voter decision.

Next steps: Troutdale’s mayor and Councilor Jeffrey Vaughn will participate in the task force; staff will track timelines, prepare the necessary IGA language and report back to council and the public as the task force develops recommendations.