Umatilla council directs resolution backing proposed police bond; residents urge regular town halls

The Umatilla City Council on Sept. 16 voted to direct city staff to draft a resolution expressing council support for a proposed bond to fund a new police station, with the measure unanimously approved by roll call. Councilor LeFauck moved the direction; the motion was seconded and passed with all voting members recorded as "aye." Mayor Sykes presided.

The action follows a staff presentation of draft city council goals for 2025–27 that includes an objective to construct a new Umatilla police station and to work toward staffing levels recommended by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). City staff said the city currently has about 16 sworn officers, including the chief, which equates to roughly two officers per 1,030 residents; the draft goals call for maintaining current levels and moving toward the IACP recommendation of about two officers per 1,000 residents.

Why it matters: the council’s direction begins a process to publicly support a bond measure that would fund a capital project with long-term budget and public-safety implications. Staff told the council they will seek federal, state and enterprise zone funding to offset debt service where possible, and that the city is coordinating review of its outreach materials with the Oregon Secretary of State’s optional safe-harbor program.

During debate, Councilor Duffloff raised a legal concern about whether certain types of solicitation or exchanges of money tied to campaigning could run afoul of state law. Staff said the city had requested a legal opinion from Jamie Pierce, lead counsel at the League of Oregon Cities, and that staff are also working with the Secretary of State on review of informational materials submitted under the office’s optional review process. The council’s direction was limited to supporting the bond being presented; staff clarified that drafting a resolution does not itself change campaign rules or solicit votes.

Public-safety operations discussed at the meeting included updates from a recent police standing-committee meeting: staff reported that streetlights on Seventh and Eighth streets have been activated and that the city is reviewing franchise agreements with Pacific Power and Umatilla Electric. Staff also said Sergeant Capers is preparing grant applications for a FLOC license-plate‑reading system, which would require a minimum six-camera purchase to join the network.

Residents who spoke during public comment tied the bond discussion to broader concerns about how the city engages the public. Miss Pratt, a resident who said she began attending council meetings after learning transmission lines would affect her river view, told the council, “Listen to the complaints. Embrace the criticism.” Mary Cahill, another resident, urged the council to “sit down and have a chat session with question-and-answer time” and asked the council to be “open to all the voices before making a decision.” Both commenters asked that the city schedule regular town‑hall meetings so citizens can ask questions and receive answers outside formal agenda items.

The council did not adopt any bond ordinance or place a measure on the ballot at the meeting; the formal next step is for staff to draft the resolution and return it to the council for consideration and potential adoption or further action. Staff also said they will return with more details about coordination with the Secretary of State and any guidance from the League of Oregon Cities before the council adopts final outreach materials.