Police Station Bond

Description

If the measure passes, it would authorize property taxes which would be used to fund a new Umatilla Police Station. The modern, purpose-built facility will replace the undersized and outdated triple-wide mobile home that was built more than 40 years ago and intended as an administrative building.

In 2021, the City of Umatilla prioritized constructing a new police station and began planning for the project. If the measure passes, the new 14,000 square foot police station would be located on 6^th Street (Hwy 730) between C and D Streets, on the same block as the existing police station building. The new station would add adequate space for officers to meet privately with victims and witnesses, conduct secure interviews with suspects, utilize modern equipment, store evidence and records, and access necessary resources for their physical and mental health. The new police station would also include a public community room for meetings and events with off-street parking.

Proposed Project Budget
Financed Costs
	Construction Cost	$15,944,592
	Consultants	$ 589,626
	Owner/Development Costs	$ 3,265,782
Total Financed Costs			$ 19,800,000
Expenses prior to construction
	Architecture and Engineering	$ 1,889,150
	Land Acquisition	$ 500,000
Total Expenses prior to construction			$ 2,389,150

Total Project Budget			$ 22,189,150

Proposed Funding Options

The City has explored two options for financing the police station project: a general obligation bond and a full-faith and credit loan. In February 2025, the City Council approved submitting a measure to voters for May 2025 election for a general obligation bond.

General Obligation Bond
If passed by voters, this would allow the city to access a large source of funding from enterprise zone corporations that aren’t available through a standard city loan. The $19.8 million bond has a 20-year term and its yearly debt service would be paid through property taxes on assessed value. The average annual tax rate is estimated to be $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
If the measure passes, the median residential property taxpayer in Umatilla would pay about $35 per year, or $2.85 per month for 20 years. The tax would raise $19.8 million. For every $1 paid by a local resident, corporations operating in the enterprise zone would pay $14.50.

Full-Faith and Credit Loan
If voters do not pass the bond measure, the City would pursue a full-faith and credit loan to finance the police station. In this option, the yearly debt service would be paid from the City’s general fund. The City would need to consider reductions in service or delaying other capital construction projects in order to reserve budget toward the debt service for the police station.

Financing Graphic

More Resources

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF BALLOT TITLE

Police

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a general obligation bond?

A general obligation bond is a property tax applied to the assessed value (AV) of all properties within the City boundaries. Bonds are used by public entities to finance facility construction or other capital improvement projects. A bond rate is a tax rate expressed in dollars per $1,000 of Assessed Value (AV).

Cities must seek voter approval for authorization to issue general obligation bonds. Measures are placed on the ballot along with information about the specific projects that would be completed by the City, if approved by the voting public.