City of North Bend release - NORTH BEND, Ore. — [March 10, 2026] — The City of North Bend is providing factual information regarding a proposed Public Safety Fee increase expected to appear on the May 19, 2026 primary election ballot.  The proposal would increase the City’s Public Safety Fee from $15 to $20 per month. The fee currently helps support police services and emergency response operations in the community.  The City is sharing this information to explain the proposal, the financial context behind it, and why residents may remember voting on a similar measure in 2025.  “In local government, it is important that residents have clear and accurate information about what is being proposed and why it is before them,” said David A. Milliron, City Administrator for the City of North Bend. “This effort is intended to provide factual background so the community understands the measure and the context in which it is being considered.”  North Bend’s General Fund supports a wide range of core city services, with public safety, including police and fire, accounting for approximately 71 percent of General Fund spending. City budget documents also show that annual property tax revenues alone are not sufficient to cover the full cost of General Fund-supported services, and that the City relies on a combination of revenue sources, including franchise fees, intergovernmental agreements, and the Public Safety Fee.  Over the last five years, the City has experienced increased operating and personnel costs. According to City budget information, inflation and service costs have risen 23.5 percent, while revenue growth has not kept pace. The City has also seen continued increases in healthcare, retirement, utilities, and property and casualty insurance costs.  The North Bend Police Department has 22 full-time equivalent positions budgeted for Fiscal Year 2026. Budget documents note that police personnel costs have increased due to wage adjustments, overtime estimates, and higher retirement contribution rates. The department’s budget also includes replacement of aging police vehicles.  The City has also secured a federal COPS Hiring Grant to help fund a narcotics-focused officer position during an initial three-year period. City officials note that the grant covers only a portion of the total cost and does not provide full long-term funding, meaning the City would be responsible for the full cost after the grant period ends. Recruitment for that position was delayed and is now underway.  If approved by voters, the proposed Public Safety Fee increase would help support the City’s broader public safety funding capacity, including the local share and long-term sustainability associated with positions and services of this type.  A narcotics-focused officer typically works on drug investigations, coordination with regional law enforcement partners, and efforts to address drug-related crimes within the community.  The City also wishes to clarify the history of a similar measure considered in 2025. In the May 20, 2025 Special District Election, voters approved a charter amendment changing the voting requirement for city fee increases. Before that amendment, a fee increase required approval by a majority of all registered voters, rather than a majority of those participating in the election. In that same election, the proposed Public Safety Fee increase received more yes than no votes, but it did not take effect because it did not meet the charter requirement then in place. The City now expects to revisit the measure under the updated charter language.  Police Chief Cal Mitts said the department remains focused on providing professional public safety services to residents, businesses, and visitors. “Our responsibility is to continue serving the community and to provide clear information about how policing resources are funded and sustained over time,” Mitts said.  The City emphasizes that this communication is intended solely to provide factual and educational information about the proposal. Under Oregon law, city resources may not be used to advocate for the passage of a ballot measure.  For additional factual information about the proposed Public Safety Fee measure, community members may review City of North Bend materials as they become available at northbendoregon.gov  VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/reel/25869291629358489