Troutdale working group backs negotiating a five-year Gresham extension while seeking an exit clause and answers on a 10% first-year increase

Troutdale’s Public Safety Services Delivery Working Group on Oct. 20 reviewed a proposed five-year extension to the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Gresham for fire and emergency services and recommended that staff continue negotiations while seeking clearer terms, including an exit clause and justification for a 10% first-year price increase.

The group’s review centered on a revised amendment that would set a 10% escalation in the first year followed by 7% annual increases for the next four years. A staff member told the group the revised proposal would put Troutdale’s share at roughly $4.6 million by the 2030–31 fiscal year compared with an earlier Gresham offer that would have approached $6 million in that period. "This is buying us some time. It doesn't fix our general fund problems, but it is more palatable than the prior offers," the staff member said.

Members said the extension would give Troutdale budget certainty while the multi-city task force explores longer-term options, including joining or forming a fire district (referred to in the discussion as options that included remaining with Gresham, joining Fire District 1 or 10, or creating a new district among the four cities). But several…