Important Public Safety Measure on the November Ballot

The Vote YES for Public Safety campaign is asking for your support to ensure that our community members understand the importance of passing this critical funding source for public safety. Hood River County’s financial situation is dire. Reserve funds have been depleted to maintain adequate Public Safety and Health Department services through June 30. Responding to COVID-19 has shown just how critical these important local services are.

The County’s population has increased 24% since 2000 and public safety staffing levels have not kept pace. A 20% increase in calls to the Sheriff’s Office over the last 10 years has resulted in slower call response times and the inability to safely staff law enforcement patrol to provide 24/7 coverage countywide.

The County Commissioners are requesting voters approve a five-year public safety levy of $.78/$1,000 assessed property value. This is an $.11 decrease in the amount put forth in the ballot measure last May and will provide much needed funding for the following:

• 24-hour deputy patrol
• Emergency planning and response
• Child abuse and drug trafficker investigations
• School resource deputies
• Search and rescue
• Stable funding for health and other important County services

The revenue from this measure would retain 11 existing law enforcement patrol positions and provide additional public safety personnel to support 24/7 patrol coverage. Without this revenue, public safety positions will be eliminated and the Sheriff will not be able to provide 24/7 patrol coverage.

Public Safety Operating Levy 14-69 is the absolute minimum necessary to sustain Public Safety services and stabilize funding for the Health Department.