Poll shows limited voter support as Fairview weighs fire-district options; council to study extension and outreach

City Manager Nathan George told the Fairview City Council on Sept. 3 that recent polling and financial analyses show voter support for creating a regional fire district remains below the level needed to pass in the near term, and that staff will continue studying options while pursuing temporary contract extensions.

The finding follows two sets of research presented at the work session: a financial analysis of possible district models and a voter survey prepared for the three smaller cities (Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village) by consultant Megan Mever. "Response times are the number one most important thing to people when it comes to fire and emergency services," Mever said as she summarized messages that moved public opinion most.

Why it matters: City leaders are weighing whether to continue contracting with the Gresham Fire Department, form a new multi-city fire district, annex into an existing district such as Clackamas Fire District 10, or pursue other permutations. The decision affects property tax rates, the city budget and whether the city’s recent public-safety fee must be retained to cover remaining general-fund obligations.

Most important facts first: The polling and financial work together indicate current voter support is below typical pass thresholds. Mever said that initial polling of the three smaller cities showed Fairview…