Portland Development News
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City Council Meeting - June 15, 2026 - Media
Published: Jun 15, 2026
Fire Department Seeks Federal SAFER Grant for Staffing, Funding Concerns Remain
Chief Fort presented an update on the SAFER grant application, which aims to fund additional personnel for the fire department. The grant would cover 75% of salary and benefits for the first two years and 35% in the third year, with no obligation for the city to retain employees past the grant period. The estimated total cost over three years is $4.07 million, with the city's portion being $1.57 million. The total grant funding available is $324 million, with approximately 190 awards anticipated from thousands of applications. The council expressed concerns about the long-term funding mechanism for salaries after the grant expires, particularly in year four. The decision to apply for the grant was postponed to allow time to explore funding mechanisms, with awards expected in September.
Utility Accounts Written Off; Scope of Point Repair Project Expanded to Include Lift Station Upgrade
The City Council approved Resolution 26-507 for the write-off of outstanding utility customer accounts for fiscal year 2026. This resolution allows the city to move uncollectible accounts to a write-off status, though any accounts with collection potential are still sent to collections. This process includes accounts for deceased customers. The council also approved Resolution 26-59, which increases the scope of a task order agreement with CSR Engineering for the 2026 point repair project. The scope expansion includes designing an upgraded sanitary sewer lift station, as the existing 30-year-old station is about to be impacted by the redesigned sewer mains and requires replacement rather than repair. This integrated approach is estimated to save approximately $6,500 compared to bidding the projects separately.
City Considers Anti-Choking Devices for First Responders
The Board of Mayor and Alderman discussed the potential acquisition of anti-choking devices, known as 'de-chokers', for police and fire department vehicles. Alderman Jennings proposed the idea, noting personal experience with the devices. The cost is estimated at approximately $2,700 for enough devices for each police officer and fire vehicle. Concerns were raised regarding the FDA approval status of the devices and potential insurance implications. The council agreed to investigate the regulatory and insurance aspects before making a decision.
City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget and Tax Rate, Includes Employee Raises and Capital Expenditures
The City Council discussed and approved the second reading of Ordinance 26-28, adopting the annual budget and tax rate for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The budget includes a projected local option sales tax increase, balanced budgets, and capital outlays, notably for the Richland Gym. Key changes from the first reading include provisions for employee pay increases (step plan plus cost of living adjustment), a 10.5% increase in health insurance premiums, the addition of a sanitation rear loader truck, stormwater projects (Lindsey Calla Bridge, Airport Detention Pond), sewer point repairs, generators for EPA projects, a jet vac truck, a crew cab truck for the gas department, and the allocation of impact fees for park mowers and police cars. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the purchase of the jet vac truck versus prioritizing sewer point repairs, with the council ultimately deciding to include the jet vac in the budget, with the possibility of amending the budget later based on rate study outcomes. The council also approved Ordinance 26-33, amending the budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 to reflect updated grant numbers and revenues, ensuring expenses are covered by incoming funds.
City Pauses Data Center Developments for Minimum Three Years Pending Zoning Framework
The City Council considered Resolution 26-56, which proposed pausing all data center developments until a framework for zoning and conditional uses could be established. An amendment was proposed and adopted to extend this pause to a minimum of three years. Legal counsel advised that while such a pause could face challenges if properties are already zoned for data centers, it would compel discussion and provide time to develop regulations. The council ultimately passed the resolution as amended, acknowledging the need for expedited action on developing these regulations.
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The Portland News archive
Planning Commission 6/9/2026 - Media
Work Study - 6-1-26 - Media
City Council Meeting - June 1, 2026 - Media
City Council Meeting - May 18, 2026 - Media
Planning Commission Meeting 5/12/2026 - Media
City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026 - Media
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