Gresham thanks voters for approving public safety levy one year after its failure

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Gresham officials are thanking voters for approving additional funding for first responders, one year after a public safety levy was struck down.

During Tuesday’s primary election, preliminary data show 55.7% of voters said “yes” to Measure 26-257, which allocates more money toward hiring and retaining personnel at the Gresham Fire Department and Gresham Police Department.

Over the next five years, the levy will cover 13 new firefighters and nine police officers. It will also fund the city’s efforts to retain an average of 30 first responders annually.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our community,” Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall said in a statement. “This levy is a tremendous first step in providing the resources our first responders sorely need and to work towards the safe community Gresham deserves.”

The city saw different results for May 2023’s special election, when 51.37% of voters said “no” to the measure — although that one also included homeless services.

Gresham City Council faced a $8.6 million budget deficit after the levy failed last year.

The newfound support for the measure will cost the average household about $25.65 each month starting in July. It’s expected to garner more than $12.1 million in revenue in its first year, and more than $64 million by 2029.

“We acknowledge that many voters did not support the recent levy and understand the financial commitment it entails,” officials said in a statement. “The City of Gresham is committed to demonstrating accountability, integrity and transparency as we build trust and strive to make our community better than ever.”

According to city officials, the funds will go to a protected account overseen by a volunteer committee of seven residents. The group will regularly report to the Gresham City Council and supervise an audit every year.