Members of Troutdale’s Public Safety and Equity Advisory Committee heard an update Oct. 2 from the public safety work group about regional planning for fire services and possible formation of a fire district.

A work-group representative said the four participating cities are forming a task force to negotiate options that include renewing a contract with Gresham Fire for about three years while preparing a ballot measure to create a dedicated fire district. “We’re going to have to renew their contract for 3 more years with Gresham Fire and eventually have it put on the ballot for us to form a fire district,” the representative said.

The work-group representative told the committee preliminary polling conducted by consultant Praxis surveyed roughly 500 likely voters and found limited immediate support: about 30% said they would vote yes on a levy, another roughly 30% surveyed said they would vote no, and a substantial share remained undecided. The representative said that result indicates a need for an extended public-education campaign before any ballot measure.

Committee members were told the district option would change how property-tax levies for fire services are assessed and could increase taxes for some residents who are moved into the district’s tax base; the representative said those details remain under study and would be part of outreach to city councils and voters. A union representative and city administrators will be included in the task force, the committee was told.

Committee members emphasized that the topic will require time and public information if it moves forward. “It really shows that there’s opportunity… to educate, about what this means, and inform people,” a work-group representative said in the meeting summary.

Ending — The committee did not vote on any measure. Members said they expect further updates as the four-city task force develops options and prepares materials for council review and public outreach.