Regional fire-task-force findings prompt alarm: committee hears $52–53 million estimate, asks for models and cost projections

At its March 5 meeting the committee received an update from the regional fire-task-force work: consultants presented comparative cost data, but members said the numbers lacked operational context and requested implementation models and cost projections.

A meeting participant summarized that consultants from Tiberius Solutions pulled tax-base and per-station numbers from several jurisdictions but did not provide clear station makeup comparisons. "When we got the numbers, it was all kind of, like, there was no clear correlation between the numbers and what we were kind of looking for," the presenter said.

The task force estimated that building and operating the suggested service model across the area would require about $52–53 million and that the per-thousand increase for Troutdale would be roughly $3.46 per $1,000 assessed value — a figure several members said was unlikely to pass at the ballot. "So that's what they're estimating," the presenter said; "the cost is 52 to 53,000,000." The presenter and members discussed alternatives including temporary units and different station mixes, but noted that changes would affect operating and capital costs and could trigger higher public-safety fees or a higher tax rate.

Members asked the task force to develop implementation models that describe station makeup (medical unit only, engine plus medical, ladder trucks, etc.), a cost projection for each model, and suggested Gresham and district staff present proposals showing how they would staff and manage a multi-city district. The committee also raised concerns about equity of tax burden across jurisdictions and the potential effect on homeowner and renter bills.

Next steps: the task force will be asked to provide clearer implementation models and cost projections, and the committee will consider the proposals at future public meetings.