Oregon voters approved the vast majority of local tax measures on the ballot during the midterm election, securing new or renewed funding for fire departments and school districts across 27 counties. According to reporting by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, voters weighed in on more than 80 local measures, with fire districts finding success in 13 of 16 proposals.
Fire District Funding Outcomes
Not all districts secured their requested funding. Voters in Troutdale rejected a $19 million proposal intended to support police, fire, and 911 services over five years. Similarly, Pendleton voters turned down a fire and ambulance levy for the second time this year. The levy, also proposed during the May primary, would have raised about $1.6 million annually to help pay for six firefighters, a mechanic able to work on emergency vehicles, a fire prevention inspector, data analyst and grant writer.
School District Infrastructure Bonds
School districts experienced high success rates, with eight of nine districts securing voter approval for infrastructure and safety funding. In Hillsboro, voters renewed a local levy expected to generate $62 million over five years, representing roughly 10% of the district’s operating budget. More than 60% of voters in the district approved a $430 million bond to address aging facilities and vocational education needs.
Other notable approvals included a $245 million bond in North Clackamas and a $162.5 million bond in Multnomah County for the Reynolds School District. The lone failure among school proposals occurred in Harney County, where voters rejected a $49 million bond intended for a new K-8 school and high school upgrades. As noted by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, the Harney County district has not successfully passed a school bond in over two decades.
Eugene Voters Pass Clean Energy Fund Tax
In Eugene, voters passed a measure establishing a clean energy fund, which imposes a 2% tax on the gross profits of large retailers—such as Amazon and Walmart—that earn over $1 billion annually nationwide and $500,000 within the city. Supporters estimate the tax will generate $15 million annually for renewable energy projects. Britney VanCitters, political and organizing director at the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, stated that the measure reflects local efforts to secure "cleaner, local and more affordable energy" in the absence of broader state or federal action.
Ballot measures regarding marijuana and psilocybin saw mixed results. Estacada voters approved a ban on marijuana processing and wholesaling, while Sutherlin rejected a proposal to repeal its existing ban on such facilities. Voters in Joseph, Redmond, and Reedsport approved new or renewed bans on psilocybin therapies.
In the town of Rufus, residents approved a 1-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase to fund local road repairs. Meanwhile, transient lodging tax proposals faced varied outcomes: Bandon voters increased their tax to 12%, while a proposed 13% tax for unincorporated parts of Columbia County failed to pass.
Voters Reject Levies Amid Rising Equipment Costs
Why did some fire districts fail to pass their levies? When voters reject these levies, departments cite rising costs for equipment, insurance, and emergency services as the primary drivers for their funding requests.
How do school districts use the funds from these approved bonds? The approved bonds are primarily designated for infrastructure projects, including building replacements, safety upgrades, and improvements to vocational education facilities. The Reynolds School District bond will replace an elementary school built in the 1950s.
What is the status of psilocybin therapy in Oregon cities? While psilocybin use is legal statewide in supervised sites, cities and counties retain the right to opt out. Recent election results confirmed that cities like Joseph, Redmond, and Reedsport have chosen to prohibit these therapies within their jurisdictions.
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