Troutdale council debates small sponsorship request for Reynolds High senior all‑night party; mixed views on taxpayer funding

The Troutdale City Council discussed a request from a parent‑organized Reynolds High School senior all‑night party for a $500 city sponsorship during its March 10 meeting.

Parents and community members who spoke characterized the event as a safety‑focused, supervised overnight celebration that keeps recent graduates from unsupervised late‑night activities. Supporters said the event reduces risk and that even a modest city contribution could increase participation and safety.

Several councilors and members of the public pushed back on using general taxpayer dollars for school‑affiliated or student‑specific events, arguing that donations should be vetted for fairness and precedent, and that city funds typically prioritize activities that directly return economic or civic benefit to the broader community. One councilor noted the Reynolds School District covers a multi‑city area and asked whether Troutdale taxpayers alone should underwrite an event largely attended by students who may live in other jurisdictions.

A councilor who works for Reynolds School District recused from the vote citing a conflict of interest. After public comment and discussion, a motion to provide up to $500 to the parent group was offered and seconded. The meeting record shows individual roll‑call responses that included a mix of 'no', 'abstain' and 'yes' votes (see structured actions). The motion was recorded and the council moved on to other business.

Several councilors suggested alternative or supplementary options such as encouraging private donations, offering in‑kind support (for example, advertising space in the city newsletter), or providing limited transit or shuttle support for event attendees. Several speakers offered to collect voluntary contributions from councilors and community members as an alternative to unrestricted taxpayer spending.