Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety And Consent topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Troutdale residents and the local DA urge council to keep sheriff contract; council approves cable commission transition
Summary
During public comment the Mult County district attorney and local nonprofit leaders urged Troutdale to retain its contract with the county sheriff, warning service levels would fall if the city changed providers. Separately, the council unanimously approved a consent package to dissolve the Mount Hood Cable Regulatory Commission and related intergovernmental agreements.
Public comment at the June 23 Troutdale City Council meeting focused on public safety and the upcoming council decision about policing options.
Nathan Basquez, who identified himself as the district attorney for the county, told the council his experience prosecuting cases in East County leads him to urge the city to continue its contract with the Mult County Sheriff's Office. “I am here to encourage you to continue your contract with the Mult County Sheriff's Office,” Basquez said, adding he would meet individually with council members to explain why he believes the current arrangement benefits investigations and victim‑support services.
June Bing, director of a local trauma intervention nonprofit and a long‑time resident, echoed that concern, saying she would “hate to see any of that change” in the level of service and local support the sheriff's office provides. Multiple residents joined public comment to make related points about emergency response and neighborhood safety.
On the consent agenda, the council approved a package of actions required to dissolve the Mount Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) and transition cable franchise administration and community media grant obligations to an intergovernmental framework. The consent items also included a resolution to extend the sunset date of the city’s Public Safety Service Delivery Working Group through the end of June. Councilors and the mayor thanked longtime MHCRC representative Norm Thomas for decades of service.
The council took no policy vote at the meeting on changing policing providers; staff and council members said police/levy decisions and any contract choices will be discussed at the July 14 meeting, where councilors plan to lay out options for the public to consider.
What happens next: council members and staff plan more public discussion about policing options and the proposed levy at the July 14 meeting; staff may follow up with DA’s office representatives who offered to meet individually with council members.
