Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Fee topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
La Grande council holds first hearing on $10 monthly public-safety fee; hearing continued to Sept. 2
Summary
City staff proposed a $10 monthly public-safety service fee on utility bills to shore up fire, police and emergency response funding; chiefs urged the council to move the proposal forward and staff said implementation would target February if adopted. The hearing was continued to Sept. 2 for a second reading and adoption vote.
City staff opened a legislative public hearing on a proposed $10-per-month public-safety service fee to be added to residential utility bills as a dedicated revenue stream for fire, police and emergency medical services.
City manager (speaker 11) and department leaders framed the fee as a response to rising emergency-response costs and flat local revenues. “The implementation of a $10 public safety service fee that would be accompanying the current utilities bill … is used within the community,” staff said, noting concerns about the uneven application of utility billing across multi-dwelling meters and a target implementation date in February if the council moves it forward.
Fire Chief (speaker 17) urged approval on readiness grounds, telling the council that the department “responded to 3,400 emergency calls” last year and stressing that maintaining response capability requires ongoing investment. The chief added that the proposal includes accountability measures such as council oversight, annual reporting and audits.
Police Chief Wilson (speaker 18) also spoke in support, saying the fee would help sustain services residents rely on. Several councilors signaled openness to a dedicated revenue source while asking staff for clearer communication about equitable application across multi-unit meters and outreach plans.
Members of the public gave mixed testimony. Tammy Gordon (speaker 20), a local business owner, suggested staff meet with community members about alternative federal or grant funding opportunities before adding a fee to household bills; staff offered to follow up after the meeting.
Rather than vote on adoption, the council left the public hearing open and continued the matter to Sept. 2, 2026, when the ordinance is scheduled for a second reading by title only and consideration for adoption. Staff said the continuation will give time to finalize equity adjustments and community notification plans.
