Sutherlin council approves first reading of public safety fee ordinance; $9 monthly charge proposed

Sutherlin’s City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 1100 on a recorded vote, creating a monthly public safety fee of $9 per developed unit — $6 designated for police and $3 for fire — to appear as a line item on city utility bills.

The fee ordinance was presented by Chief Troy Mills, who told the council that long-term limits on property tax growth enacted by Measure 5 and Measure 50 have left the city with a funding gap and that a dedicated fee is a “sustainable and effective long term solution” to cover operations, equipment and personnel for public safety. “These services are critical to maintaining the safety, stability, and quality of life in our community,” Mills said during his presentation.

The fee would apply to each residential or nonresidential unit on developed property and, as drafted, was scheduled to begin on May 1, 2025. Councilor and staff discussion during the meeting noted that the timing may need adjustment because a second reading and final vote are required before full implementation; a city staff member, Chad, requested that the commencement date be changed to July 2025 to align with the ordinance adoption timeline. The city manager also acknowledged editing errors in the ordinance’s emergency-clause language and said staff would correct the text before second reading.

Why it matters: City staff and the public said the fee would create a dedicated revenue stream to replace vehicles and support operations without using general fund dollars. The council heard multiple public comments supporting the proposal, including Gail Daniel, who said she is “1000% in favor of it,” and Dave Daniel, a former county sheriff who offered to help form public support. The council also invited Chief Sarty of Winston (a city that has implemented a similar fee) to discuss Winston’s experience; the Winston chief described how a smaller public safety fee created a steady fund for vehicles and equipment and said residents were largely supportive.

Council discussion included whether the council should place a new fee before voters. Several councilors said they understand the desire for a public vote but argued that timing and an immediate funding need favored council adoption now with follow-up community outreach. The draft ordinance contains an annual review mechanism and authorizes the council to adjust the fee by resolution during budget reviews.

The ordinance language as presented includes: definitions of developed, residential and nonresidential units; the imposition of a $6 police and $3 fire monthly fee per unit; a requirement that fee revenues be shown distinctly in the budget and used for vehicles, equipment and department operations; appeal and hardship procedures; and enforcement provisions. The ordinance text read aloud at the meeting included an emergency-declaration clause; city staff said that clause will be edited to reflect the council’s intended effective date at final adoption.

Vote: The council approved the first reading by roll-call vote: Councilor Sarnoski — aye; Councilor Smalling — aye; Councilor Hamilton — aye; Councilor Whitaker — aye; Councilor Woods — aye; Mayor Sumner — aye. The motion passed.

Next steps: Because Sutherlin follows a two-reading ordinance process, the ordinance will return to council for a second reading and final adoption. Staff said it will correct the emergency-clause language, consider changing the commencement date to July 2025 to match adoption timing, and publish outreach information on utility bills and the city website before the fee appears on bills.