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Council approves MOU with Bandon Dunes to fund enhanced public safety
Summary
The council unanimously authorized an MOU that allows Bandon Dunes to impose a 1% self-assessed bed tax estimated to generate about $350,000 annually for enhanced police services; the agreement runs 07/01/2025–07/01/2028 with auto-renewal provisions.
The council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Bandon Dunes Resort to establish a self-imposed public-safety assessment intended to provide a dedicated funding stream for enhanced law-enforcement services.
City staff told the council the agreement would impose a 1% bed tax on Bandon Dunes guests and estimated it would generate “approximately $350,000 in TOT revenue for the city annually,” funds that would be remitted quarterly and earmarked for public-safety services, according to the city manager. The MOU is written with an initial term effective 07/01/2025 through 07/01/2028 and contains provisions for automatic annual renewal unless written notice to renegotiate or terminate is provided.
Police leadership told the council the arrangement would not station a single dedicated officer at the resort. “There isn't gonna be an officer who just sits out there and parks and monitors Bandon Dunes,” the police chief said, adding the agreement anticipates frequent patrol checks, patrol responses as primary responder, and VIP protection services when required. The chief also said staff intends, if approved, to explore adding a second supervisory position to improve training and on‑call supervision for less-experienced officers.
Council discussion clarified the MOU allows an initial three-year period to recoup expenses tied to retaining and training a new sworn officer and purchasing required equipment. Following discussion, a motion to approve the MOU and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement was moved and carried unanimously.
Next steps: the city manager is authorized to execute the MOU and staff will coordinate with Bandon Dunes representatives to implement the funding and reporting provisions.
