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Saint Helens council sends five-year police levy to voters to stabilize staffing
Summary
Council approved Resolution 2087 to place a five-year local-option levy at $0.46 per $1,000 assessed value on the ballot, saying the measure would stabilize current police staffing and 24/7 patrol coverage; residents raised concerns about transparency, staffing and use of funds.
The St. Helens City Council voted to submit Resolution 2087 to the city’s voters: a five-year local-option levy at a rate of $0.46 per $1,000 of assessed value to fund police services. The motion was seconded and passed, with recorded 'aye' votes from Councilor Sandeep, Councilor Hubbard, Councilor Gunderson and the mayor.
During discussion, the mayor and staff clarified earlier statements and emphasized the levy is designed to stabilize existing police operations rather than expand staffing. The mayor said for the record, "There was no additional staff or there is not additional staff," noting the levy is intended to preserve 24/7 patrol coverage and investigative capacity if the city cannot otherwise fund those positions (Mayor). The police chief explained that maintaining current staffing stabilizes response capacity and that some detective duties could be blended with school-resource responsibilities if the levy funds permit.
Council and staff presented local calls-for-service data to justify the proposal: total calls for service were described as up about 15% since 2023, with particular categories—child-abuse referrals, welfare checks, and certain crime calls—rising substantially. Staff also noted the city has budgeted detective positions and previously used bridge funding from the Community Development Fund to support police operations; one staff member corrected the record: "The bridge funding from the community development fund to the general fund ... is not a loan. It is not a loan" (Laurie).
Public commenters sharply disagreed. Steve Koski urged the council to reject the levy and said the council was "portraying yourself as a tax and spend city council" (Steve Koski). Former budget committee chair Jeremy Evans criticized last-minute budget changes and the reallocation of funds intended for community development. Councilors said they planned follow-up educational materials so voters could make an informed choice.
The resolution text and ballot measure language will be finalized for the elections office; staff signed and delivered the adopted resolution to Kathy for submission to the county elections office.
