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Philomath council postpones psilocybin ballot to May 2026, citing $50,000 special-election cost
Summary
The Philomath City Council voted 6–0 on July 22 to delay placing a psilocybin ballot in a November 2025 special election after staff said the city would face an estimated $50,000 bill if it were the only jurisdiction on that ballot; the measure will be rescheduled for the May 2026 general election unless the council directs otherwise.
The Philomath City Council voted unanimously on July 22 to postpone submittal of a proposed psilocybin ballot measure from a November 2025 special election to the May 2026 general election.
City staff told the council that Benton County had informed the city it would be the only jurisdiction with items on a November special-election ballot, meaning the city would pay the full cost of that election. "We'll spend about $50,000 to hold the election," said Chris, a city staff member who briefed the council. Chris added that postponing the measure would mean "another 6 months with a ban on psilocybin in place without the voters having the opportunity to either sustain that vote or to repeal the ban." The council noted the original resolution approving the ballot language referenced the "general election," which will occur in May 2026.
Councilor Andrade moved to direct staff to postpone the psilocybin ballot submittal until the May 2026 general election; the motion was seconded by Councilor Salsa and passed by voice vote. The chair announced the result as 6–0 in favor.
Staff said island annexation items that were tentatively scheduled for the November timeline will also be delayed; planning commission approval and separate ballot titles will be addressed at the council's August meeting. No members of the public registered to speak at the special meeting.
Next steps: staff will treat the May 2026 general election as the target for the psilocybin ballot unless the council directs staff to prepare a separate resolution and language to request inclusion in a special election. If the council later chooses November, staff said it would prepare the required resolution and related materials to meet county deadlines.
