Troutdale, Oregon Development News

Troutdale Council Advances Police Department Advisory Vote and Sheriff's Contract Negotiations

The City Council discussed and ultimately voted to approve sending an advisory vote to the residents in November 2026 regarding the potential re-establishment of a Troutdale Police Department. This advisory vote will ask residents if they are in favor of starting a Troutdale Police Department. Concurrently, the council also voted to direct the City Manager to negotiate a reduced services intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) for law enforcement services. This negotiation aims to find cost savings while maintaining public safety. The resolution for the advisory vote will have amended language to remove references to re-establishing the Troutdale Police Department and focus solely on the question of starting one. The council also amended the proposed public safety levy from $1.60 to $1.75 per thousand assessed value, with the intention of eliminating the current $25 monthly public safety utility fee if the levy passes. However, concerns were raised about the ability to legally bind future councils to this fee elimination. The council ultimately voted to approve the $1.60 levy after the $1.75 motion failed. The council also decided not to adopt resolutions related to forming a limited Troutdale Police Department at this time, preferring to wait for the results of the advisory vote.