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Council OKs resolution to place up to $19.8 million police facility bond before voters
Summary
Umatilla city staff briefed the council on updated cost estimates for a proposed police department construction project and the council approved a resolution to place a general-obligation bond measure on the ballot not to exceed $19.8 million.
The Umatilla City Council voted Feb. 18 to adopt a resolution calling a city election on a proposed general-obligation bond measure not to exceed $19.8 million to finance the construction and capital improvements for a police facility and related projects.
City staff and consultants presented revised cost estimates and financing options before the vote. Melissa (presenter name provided in the meeting) explained the staff’s refined estimate for the project was $19.8 million after removing certain pre-construction expenditures already paid. She said earlier worst-case estimates had ranged as high as roughly $24 million to $25 million, in part because the project added a dispatch center and related equipment costs.
The presentation to council highlighted the components that drove the higher earlier estimates: site costs (including utility relocation and demolition of the existing police property), owner-furnished items such as furniture and security systems, and the dispatch center equipment — which staff identified as adding about $1.4 million to the project budget. The $19.8 million figure reflects design and acquisition expenses excluded from the bond financing total, city staff said.
Why it matters: City staff briefed council on financing scenarios and on comparisons to similar projects in nearby jurisdictions. The resolution (22-2025) calls the measure for voters and authorizes related procedural steps — including engaging underwriters, bond counsel, and a public relations consultant as the bond process moves forward.
Council questions and next steps: Council discussed the estimated tax rate impacts from the financing scenarios and the selection of underwriting and bond counsel. Staff said three proposals for bond counsel were received and the city selected the lowest-qualified proposal; Mesaro was identified as underwriter/adviser. Speakers said more detailed municipal-advisor and credit-rating work will follow the election process.
The council approved the resolution by voice vote; the motion to approve resolution 22-2025 was made and seconded and the mayor declared the motion carried.
Ending: With the resolution approved, staff will proceed with the bond measure preparations — including consultant contracts and public-engagement work required before a ballot placement and, if directed, a subsequent financing closing.
