City of Gresham
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News Release
Gresham voters will decide whether to boost number of firefighters and police in May election - 03/06/24

A new five-year levy will retain and fund 13 new fire and 9 new police positions to enhance emergency response and community safety

GRESHAM, Ore. - Citing the growing need and demand for additional fire and police protection, the city council voted unanimously to refer a new five-year operating levy to Gresham voters for the May 21 election. The proposed five-year levy will retain an average of 30 existing public safety positions per year and fund 13 new firefighter positions and 9 new police officer positions.  

“Gresham has too few firefighters and police officers for a city our size while calls for service are increasing. This means slower response times and fewer neighborhood patrols,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall. “In an emergency, every second counts. This levy is needed to improve public safety in our community.”

Since 2004, Gresham’s population has increased 19% but in twenty years the city has one less sworn police officer and daily minimum firefighter staffing has increased just 9%.  

Over the same time, calls for fire service have increased 69% and shootings in Gresham have spiked 400% in recent years. The combination of rising need and fewer personnel means slower emergency response times and fewer patrol officers to prevent crimes. 

The levy would be $1.35/$1,000 assessed value beginning July 1,2024 and the average cost on a Gresham home would be $25.65 per month (based on an average assessed, not market, value of $228,000).  

Gresham residents currently pay a $15 per month fee on utility bills to fund fire, police, and park services. The fee is just 9% of the total city public safety budget. A new levy is estimated to raise $64 million over five years and will not replace the current fee. Levy spending will be overseen by an independent seven-member citizen committee and will be subject to annual audits. 

“The current public safety fee is essential to maintain but it will not enhance fire and police services. A new dedicated levy is needed to hire more of the Gresham heroes we all turn to in a crisis. A levy will allow more neighborhood patrols to address everything from drug-related crimes to property crimes and gun violence,” said Mayor Stovall.  

About Gresham: 

Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition meets innovation and opportunity in Oregon's fourth-largest city. Gresham’s residents care deeply about our roots and are committed to building a vibrant future. Today, Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city with a desire to thrive. In Gresham, we are family. To learn more, visit www.GreshamOregon.gov or visit us on Twitter at @CityofGresham. 

 

 

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