Forest Grove council votes to put $29.5 million police facility bond on May ballot

The Forest Grove City Council voted 7–0 on Resolution 2025‑06 to submit a $29,500,000 general‑obligation bond measure to city voters on May 20 to finance a new police facility and related capital costs. The resolution directs city staff to publish the ballot title and explanatory statement and authorizes steps necessary to place the measure on the ballot.

City staff said the current police building, constructed in 1977, is about 12,120 square feet and has 34 identified deficiencies from a 2016 needs assessment. Paul Downey, assistant city manager and finance director, told the council the proposed facility would be roughly 45% larger and designed for future growth. “The new facility will be 45% larger and will address the noted deficiencies,” he said.

Downey presented an estimated financing scenario: bonds issued across a typical 21‑year schedule would produce an average levy of about $0.77 per $1,000 of assessed value. He said that equates to roughly $263 per year for the average Forest Grove home, or about $22 per month, averaged over the life of the bond. The resolution also includes a reimbursement declaration so the city may reimburse pre‑issuance expenditures if the bonds are later sold.

Mayor Wenzel and several councilors stressed the project’s safety and operational needs and urged staff and advocates to explain the community benefits to voters. The council moved and seconded the measure for placement on the ballot; a roll‑call vote recorded unanimous approval.

With the resolution approved, staff will publish the ballot title, allow the 10‑day challenge period, and proceed with necessary election logistics.

The council’s approval sends the bond measure to voters rather than authorizing construction; if voters approve the measure, staff said bonds would be issued and the project would move to procurement and construction phases.