Scappoose council backs Columbia County jail operating levy measure 5‑302

Scappoose — The City Council voted Monday to adopt Resolution 2414 in support of Columbia County Measure 5‑302, a four‑year tax levy that county officials say is intended to maintain existing jail operations.

Mayor (unnamed) introduced the resolution and Councilor Holmes moved that the council adopt Resolution 2414, which the council approved after a second by Councilor Santiago. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records council members saying "aye," but no numerical roll‑call tally appears in the record.

City staff summarized information provided by county leaders and the sheriff, saying the proposed levy responds in part to rising medical and food‑service contract costs at the county jail. Transcripts include slightly different cent amounts when speakers described current and proposed levy rates; staff stated the current rate as 58 cents and described a proposed rate of 79 cents, but the record included additional numeric references that were not fully consistent in wording during the meeting.

Council discussion emphasized that the measure is framed as renewing the operating levy to preserve current staffing and capacity rather than expanding the jail. The council voted to support the county measure and asked staff to notify the Columbia County Board of Commissioners; staff noted they would inform the county at a meeting the following day.

Why it matters: A local vote on a county levy can affect municipal budgeting and public safety operations in the region. In this case, Scappooses endorsement signals municipal support for county efforts to maintain jail services.

The council did not adopt any local tax changes; its action was limited to passing a resolution of support.