Troutdale officials back four‑city task force, approve outreach contract after firefighters urge restoring District 10

Troutdale officials on Monday moved to participate in a four‑city task force with Gresham, Fairview and Wood Village to study forming or joining a regional fire district and approved a one‑year public‑education contract with consultant Praxis to begin outreach and polling.

The discussion, at the Public Safety Service Delivery Working Group meeting on Sept. 22, followed public comment from local firefighter union leaders who urged Troutdale to pursue restoration of Multnomah County Fire District 10 rather than accepting Clackamas Fire District 1’s offer of service. The group also discussed interim intergovernmental agreements to extend current contracted service while the task force develops a formal proposal for voters.

The task force is intended to produce a roadmap on whether the four cities should (1) form a new district, (2) join Multnomah County Fire District 10, or (3) join another district, staff said. The task force would include the mayors and one councilor from each city, city managers, the fire chief, and union representation; staff expect the group to start meeting in mid to late October. In the interim, the cities are exploring extended IGAs to preserve service while planning continues.

“We are your local firefighters, and we are proud to serve your communities every day,” said Ryan Dorn, vice president…