Meet the Candidates: Hood River County 2024 May Primary
A Look at What’s on the Hood River County Ballot this May:
County residents will vote on a new Hood River County District Attorney and several County Commissioner positions on May 21, 2024, as well as several measures including bonds to replace the Aquatic Center; fund parks and trails, a five-year operating levy for Parks and Recreation services and a levy to improve fire and emergency medical services
Hood River County District Attorney
Hood River County Commissioners
County Commissioner Chair
County Commissioner District 2
County Commissioner District 4
Measures:
Bonds to replace the Aquatic Center; fund parks and trails.
Five-year operating levy for Parks and Recreation services.
A levy to improve fire and emergency medical services.
(Scroll to bottom of page for more information on measures.)
Election Deadlines
April 5, 2024 - Military & overseas ballots mailed
April 22, 2024 - Out of state ballots mailed
April 30, 2024 - Voter Registration Deadline. New Oregon voters can register to vote online at oregonvotes.gov, mail a voter registration form, or register in person.
May 1, 2024 - Local ballots mailed to voters
May 16, 2024 - Last day Elections Official to mail replacement ballots to voters
May 21, 2024 - Primary Election Day - The Hood River County election office is open from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8:00 pm on election day. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked before 8:00 pm on election day.
Meet the Candidates
Editors Note: All candidates we’re given a deadline until April 4, 2024 to respond to the following questions. Candidates can still submit their responses up until election day. This post will be updated with missing candidate submissions as they come in.
Matthew Ellis, Hood River County District Attorney
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from?)
I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, growing up in both the Seattle/Tacoma area and Atlanta. Oregon is my adopted home. I have lived in Hood River for over a decade, initially moving out here to work in public defense. I attended Georgia Tech and have a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs and a Juris Doctorate from The University of Oregon School of Law. I have practiced law in both Alaska and Oregon. I met my wife, Samantha, when I was practicing law in Anchorage, shortly after law school. She is an incredibly strong, independent, beautiful woman, owning her own land surveying business. After living in Hood River for ten years, we recently moved to the upper valley in Mt. Hood.
In my spare time, I am an avid runner, and can be found running our local trails with my dog, Yarra. In the winter, I can be found on the slopes at Mt. Hood Meadows. When relaxing, I am probably enjoying one of our many local brews, cheering on the Portland Timbers, or rocking out to Pearl Jam.
What experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you bring to the position? How many hours of trial experience do you have? How would you describe your management style?
I have approximately fifteen years of criminal law experience in both Oregon and Alaska. Despite my education at Georgia Tech, I am not sure I can count the hours of courtroom experience I have from trials, motion work, and other contested/adversarial hearings. As a manager, I prefer to find roles for people in the office that play to their strengths, and then get out of their way. I have been fortunate in our hires at the Wasco Co DA office, in that we have successfully hired a diverse group, from the attorneys to the victim advocates to the legal secretaries, who all have very different and unique strengths that combine into an office that the county should be proud of.
Why are you running for District Attorney? What are your goals for the office?
I am excited to be running for District Attorney in Hood River, bringing home some of the programs we implemented in Wasco Co. When DA Rasmussen told me that she would be retiring, it made sense to run for my home seat. My goal for the office will be to continue the work DA Rasmussen and I have done with the Treatment and Mental Health Courts. I want to victim advocacy office that responds to the needs and wants of individual victims, realizing each situation is unique. I want to continue the level of prosecution that Hood River has become accustomed to, utilizing evidence based practices. I also want to continue my work with Six Rivers Mediation for a fully implemented Restorative Justice Program in Hood River, and continue to explore more tools to use, along with traditional forms of prosecution.
To accomplish these goals, the District Attorney’s office needs to be supported and funded. As DA Rasmussen has pointed out, the office needs, at the very least, another attorney and a discovery clerk to keep up with the cases referred by the law enforcement partners. This office is drastically lacking in attorneys and staff as compared to similar size counties in Oregon. I hope to bring the expand the staffing in the office.
Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?
It is well known now that I was presented with a dilemma very early on in my term as Wasco County District Attorney when a ten-year-old disciplinary letter concerning an officer was discovered in my desk drawer. I was given the advice that I then had the decision to do what is easy or what is right. It would have been easy to ignore the letter. However, that letter should have been discovered to defense for every case involving the officer. We did the hard work of looking back at hundreds of cases and retroactively dismissed 169 cases due to evidentiary discovery violations. Many of those defendants were not innocent, but the previous administration was not playing by the rules, and ethics required my office to do the right thing in the name of justice.
What are the three most pressing issues facing the criminal justice system in the County right now and how do you plan to address them within your role?
Addiction and Mental Health. We need to treat addiction and mental health as diseases. A disease in itself is not a crime, but when it leads to criminal behavior, we need to respond appropriately. We have created a treatment court and a mental health to respond as an alternative to lengthy incarceration. These specialty courts have been successful and we continue to grow and make them better with experience. They are essential to the criminal justice system’s response to these diseases. However, they are not enough. We are not equipped to handle the constant low level, community nuisance crimes caused especially from mental health or dual diagnosis people. Those seeking help need to be able to access resources without criminal cases dragging on. The Resolution/Crisis Center, headed by Wasco Co Sheriff Lane Magill and community partners, such as the DA office, will assist in efforts to avoid utilizing our jails and courts for those in crisis. We need to keep pressing forward on these issues and not backwards.
Houselessness/Poverty. The famous civil rights attorney, Brian Stevenson, once said, “The opposite of poverty is not wealth, the opposite of poverty is justice.” People who have their basic needs met, such as food and shelter, are much less likely to engage in criminal behavior. Those who come from poverty and difficult/chaotic home lives as children are much more likely to continue a cycle and engage in criminal behavior. As a District Attorney’s Office, we must recognize these defendants to find appropriate levels of accountability while simultaneously trying to break the cycle of recidivism.
Caveat: I very much recognize that there are some where there is nothing that can be done with them, but to remove them from society. I am not afraid to hand out lengthy prison sentences when it is appropriate. But, these types of sentences should not be the default position of any DA office.
Victim Resources and Support. Victims of crime should always be asked what they need and given appropriate treatment. We know that children that have been traumatized by violence and abuse are more likely to grow up and continue the cycle. Children exposed to domestic violence as much more likely to be in similar relationships as an adult. Children exposed to violence are much more likely to commit violent crimes as an adult. When these situations happen, we must empower victims to take control of a situation. When we create tools such as restorative justice, diversions, in addition to traditional prosecution tools, it allows victims of violence to be involved in decisions and break these cycles.
What is your take on your predecessor’s performance as DA? Will you continue going in the same direction as the previous DA or do you plan to change course? For Kara and Travis: If elected as Wasco County DA will you continue previous efforts such as the Treatment, Mental Health, and Family Dependency Courts courts?
Both DA Rasmussen and I had difficult tasks, cleaning up messes left by our predecessors. I was impressed by her ability to handle her difficult situation, along with the culture she has created with the current staff.
As stated above, DA Rasmussen and I have assisted in the creation of the joint Hood River/Wasco Treatment Court and Mental Health Court. I have every intention of continuing those projects on the Hood River side, and am confident my successor in Wasco will follow suit. I will continue these joint projects and look forward to new projects utilizing joint resources between the Hood River and Wasco offices.
Do you think incarceration rates are too high or too low in our area?
Incarceration rates are not an indicator of community safety or justice. Jail is an expensive tax drain on a community. When people feel safe in their community, no one thinks about incarcerations rates. When people do not feel safe, it becomes an issue. Incarceration needs to be targeted at those who need to be removed. Unfortunately, incarceration can become a default when other solutions are not available. The Resolution Center will help solve some of these issues when it comes to jailing those in mental health crisis. Ideally, evidence methods of reducing crime will reduce incarceration rates over time and the tax burden it brings to our communities.
Note: I have provided an outline of the life of a criminal case. Just because a defendant is released from custody pre-trial, does not mean that there will not be accountability concerning a criminal case.
How can the DA have an impact on the fentanyl, meth, and other illicit drug problems in our region?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate, like nothing we have ever seen, and it hit Oregon on the heels of the COVID pandemic. It was a perfect storm. The DA’s office can have massive impact on combating the crisis. However, prosecution and incarceration will not solve the drug crisis. We need a community based approach, including education, treatment services, and an amount of understanding and empathy for those suffering from addiction, in addition to prosecution. Everyone has a different path to recovery. Our Treatment Court is already assisting on the prosecution side. I will work with law enforcement to create a diversion/deflection program as hard drugs become recriminalized later this year. We will work to prosecute those that are dealing these drugs within our community, poisoning our community.
Where does addressing property crime in the County rank in your priorities?
Count me as a victim of property crime. I had my car window smashed and broken into while I was at a concert in Seattle. I know the feeling of invasion and violation that comes with a property crime. The crime was never solved and my property was lost. It is sad that many of our property crimes remain unsolved or unprovable, meaning they never make it to a courtroom. When we do solve these crimes, it is essential to make a victim as whole as possible. Some victims are eligible for victim compensation services, and it is essential that our victim advocate office point them in the right direction to take advantage of those services. Like violent crimes, we want to make sure victims know our options in prosecution and sentencing when we have a strong case, and have the power to assist in the decision making. Preventing recidivism, utilizing all our tools, is an utmost priority when it comes to property crimes, just like other cases that come into the office, is essential to having a safe and secure community.
Are you an active member of the Oregon State Bar? If not, are you authorized to do so by federal law or are you only practicing in Oregon on a Temporary basis without an established office in Oregon? Have you ever had a bar violation or held in contempt of court? Is there anything that currently prevents you from practicing law in Oregon?
OSB # 116628
I have been an Oregon Bar Member since late 2011, and am in good standing with the bar. Nothing concerning my bar license would prevent me from continuing my job as Wasco Co District Attorney or taking office in Hood River next year.
I waived my Alaska Bar (#0805027) license into Oregon, taking advantage of reciprocity. The process took a little over six months. Currently, my Alaska Bar license is in inactive status, meaning that if I wanted to go handle a case in Anchorage, I would need to go through the reactivation process before passing the bar in the courtroom.
Jennifer Euwer, Hood River County Commissioner Chair
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from?)
I'm Jennifer Euwer, Chair of the Hood River Board of Commissioners. I am fortunate to live and work in Hood River County, and to have the opportunity to serve my community.
Being a County Commissioner requires a civic mindset. Commissioners have to work with a variety of stakeholders fairly and democratically to achieve the greatest public good possible. What kind of civic experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you have and how will you use them to benefit our communities?
I returned to this area to manage a pear and cherry orchard after receiving a degree in Economics. My job has required that I work with a variety of people and ideas, in both Spanish and English. An important key to success in any business is hearing from and listening to both sides of any issue and I bring that experience to my job as commissioner. I have worked with a variety of people throughout my life, and am able to respect opinions I may not share.
3. 1) Balancing the budget is the first responsibility of county government . We must ensure the funding of Public Safety after the current levy expires in June 2025.
2) We must continue to explore ways to address the shortage of affordable workforce housing in Hood River County.
3) Balancing the pressures of growth with livability for our residents will continue to be a challenge.
4. The State of Oregon is a source of financial support for our court system, court security and facilities. These are heavy mandates for which we need their assistance.
5. Our local economy depends on industry, agriculture, recreation, manufacturing, tech and tourism. Balancing the growth of those industries with the available workforce housing will be a challenge.
6. Our county commission recently went through a rigorous process that resulted in the hiring of our new administrator Allison Williams. She has extensive experience in county-sized government, and has quickly established good working relationships across county government. Hood River County has a dedicated staff of talented individuals, they are the backbone of our success.
Hood River County Commissioner, District 2
Arthur Babitz, Hood River County Commissioner, District 2
No candidate information has been submitted.
Hood River County Commissioner, District 4
Chad Muenzer, Hood River County Commissioner, District 4
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from?)
My name is Chad Muenzer and I am a 46-year resident of Hood River County. I am running to be a county commissioner because I live here, have raised my family here, and because I want Hood River County to be a place where my children and grandchildren can grow up and thrive. I think it is important to be involved in my community by serving when and where I can–on boards, committees, or wherever there is a need. My long-time participation in Hood River County life has prepared me well to represent the interests of my fellow residents of District 4.
Being a County Commissioner requires a civic mindset. Commissioners have to work with a variety of stakeholders fairly and democratically to achieve the greatest public good possible. What kind of civic experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you have and how will you use them to benefit our communities?
I have always believed that a strong community requires people to be involved. I have served for eight years on the Hood River County Fair Board, studying and approving budgets, and sticking to them. I strategically plan and produce major events, work with 4-H children and families, and make tough decisions. On the Wy’east Fire District Board, my work also involves budgeting to provide necessary equipment for our firefighters. As a self-employed small business owner in Hood River County for 22 years, I work daily with county residents. I’m a good listener, and I’m skilled at balancing competing demands and making good decisions using facts, logic, and common sense. I work hard, and I get things done.
What are the three main issues/challenges/concerns facing the County right now and how would you like to see them be addressed?
Three main concerns I see facing the county right now are housing availability, housing affordability, and public safety. Hood River County has a shortage of homes available for those who work here, and often they are forced to live in neighboring counties. We must find practical solutions to ease the housing shortage.
In addition, the few houses that are available aren’t affordable for many people currently working here. The development of affordable homes is critical to the health and future of our community. People who live and work together in a community have a vested interest in its well-being.
Finally, I also believe that public safety is always a community concern. Although the county does a good job in this area, I would like to see continued funding for our public safety agencies that protect and keep our county safe for all residents.
What County issue(s) are you most interested in advocating for at the State level?
I am a big advocate for our local agriculture and our small businesses. These are critical to Hood River’s economy and to the life of our community.
What will you do to improve the economy in Hood River County creating more jobs and higher wages? What industry - tourism, tech, manufacturing, ag, trade, etc. will lead the Hood River County economy for the next decade and how would you support it?
With Hood River County’s wide variety of businesses here, we already have a lot of advantages. We have the potential here for a stronger, diverse economy. However, the most challenging problem that our county faces is, once again, housing availability and affordability. This challenge leads to labor shortages, making it more difficult to create new businesses and maintain existing ones. We need to continue to work toward innovative housing solutions, to maintain a diverse economy.
What is something you think the County is currently doing well that you want to continue to build on?
I believe that the county is providing great services for its residents and visitors alike. Hood River County provides stewardship of the county forest land and excels in supporting small businesses, agriculture, and tourism. I would like to continue to build support for these businesses and people to help them grow in Hood River County.
Albert Nance, Hood River County Commissioner, District 4
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from?)
Hi, I’m Albert Nance. I am a husband, father, small business owner, Port of Cascade Locks Commissioner, homeowner, advertising professional, voter, hiker, biker, traveler, beer lover, opinionated movie watcher, recreational sports enthusiast, and all-around easy-going human being.
I have been in love with the natural beauty of the Gorge since the moment I first saw it over 20 years ago. When my family had a chance to move to the Gorge, we knew immediately we had to make that dream a reality. After moving to Cascade Locks, I joined the local Parent Teacher Organization, started a small business, held fundraisers, and was elected to the Cascade Locks Port Commission.
Given my personal, professional, and governmental background, I know the County Commission is the place that best suits my skill set and where I can make a positive impact for the county and District 4.
Being a County Commissioner requires a civic mindset. Commissioners have to work with a variety of stakeholders fairly and democratically to achieve the greatest public good possible. What kind of civic experience, knowledge, skills, disposition, and unique strengths do you have and how will you use them to benefit our communities?
My civic mindset has been formed from experience in various public service sectors. I am actively serving as Port of Cascade Locks Commissioner, Seat 3. I was a Digital Advertising Director for the largest Presidential campaign in US history. I was an intern for U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett. I worked with Portland Metro to build public awareness for a Bond Measure that secured funding for Metro Parks and Natural Areas for ten years. I helped the Oregon Lottery promote the beneficiaries that receive Lottery dollars, including Veteran Services, State Parks, Education, and others.
These responsibilities have given me the opportunity to learn the intricacies and importance of government, citizen support, and maintaining tight, fiscally-responsible budgets that are open and available to the diligent eye of the public, and to make responsible, informed, and prudent decisions on behalf of all the citizens.
What are the three main issues/challenges/concerns facing the County right now and how would you like to see them be addressed?
Emergency Preparedness - Our County deals with crippling winters and wildfires every year. Just this January, the blizzard knocked out power in Cascade Locks for over 18 hours, leaving citizens to fend for themselves and struggling to survive in sub-freezing temperatures. I want to see the County help communities better prepare and plan for these emergency situations by giving them the resources, tools, and training to act swiftly and confidently when the need arises.
Land Use Management/Livability - Our county is highly sought after for a trove of reasons; beauty, recreation, opportunity. This means our County is getting increasingly expensive to live. We must ensure the hardworking people, who are the backbone of our County’s economy, are able to live and thrive here. The county must work smartly to balance the needs of people, business, and our natural resources with the reality of increased costs, population density, and environmental impact. We can’t trade our beauty for sprawl or our trees for buildings.
Infrastructure - Like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for a person, a county also needs a strong foundational base for its health and vitality. Unfortunately, much of our infrastructure are nearing their natural lifespan. Bridges are being replaced. Buildings are crumbling. Schools don’t have proper heat. Our mass transit is limited. As a community, we need to move toward a mentality of preserving and fixing the infrastructure we do have via smart, reasonable investments and away from the mentality of let it crumble and ask for help.
What County issue(s) are you most interested in advocating for at the State level?
Emergency Preparedness - Emergency preparedness isn’t about reacting to the moment of emergency, it’s about proactively preparing for the potential emergency. With the climate changing, it is impacting our County in every way imaginable. We need to engage the State to support Hood River County with funds to revisit the wildfire risk map, fund sustainable energy, enact climate change mitigation, secure our land usage maps, protect our natural resources, anticipate needs, and protect our citizens.
What will you do to improve the economy in Hood River County creating more jobs and higher wages? What industry - tourism, tech, manufacturing, ag, trade, etc. will lead the Hood River County economy for the next decade and how would you support it?
As a citizen, small business owner, and professional in the technology space, I know our county can’t rely on one industry sector because every industry has its natural fluctuations. By complementing the Hood River County economy with different industries it strengthens our economy, stabilizes our workforce, and promotes financial consistency. That said, the three areas that have proven fruitful to our growth must remain core to our future.
Our Ag community quite literally feeds America. This sector is foundational to our well-being. It is paramount that we support and protect our farmers, the farmworkers, and the farmland, for the sake of our County and for the country.
Tech is driving our future. As someone who works in the technology sector and someone who also opposed the data center in Cascade Locks, I know the challenge will be to support the tech sector and companies that make a positive impact to the community versus those that could have a significant negative impact to our community and its natural resources.
Tourism keeps our community thriving. While those dollars fluctuate depending on seasonality and the broader economy, tourism brings jobs, revenue, and awareness to our County which creates a virtuous cycle of growth. The challenge will be to extend the shoulder months, create sustainable ‘fun-tivities’, and strike a balance between the wonders and activities that draw people in with ensuring our citizens and environment are being respected and benefit from these dollars.
What is something you think the County is currently doing well that you want to continue to build on?
I think the county has done a good job creating a desirable place for people to live, work, and recreate. To create a lasting legacy with these foundational strengths as our everlasting pillars will be the job of the County Commission in the years and decades to come.
Brian Merz, Hood River County Commissioner, District 4
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from?)
I am a 3rd generation Parkdale resident and have lived here through primary school, graduating from Hood River Valley High School in 2000. I went to Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon majoring in Computer Science and studying music. At Pacific I was granted the opportunity to study abroad in London and travel throughout Europe while living there. Currently, I work as a Senior Software Engineer for a small but growing company based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I live in Parkdale where I own and work on Leafbucket Farms. As someone who knows and has experienced the history of this incredibly special valley, my calling to run for the District 4 Commissioner seat is based on my passion for preserving the unique qualities of this county while helping it move gracefully into the future. I believe I personally understand the complex issues that confront our county currently, have the skills to handle the highly technical aspects of the county commissioner's seat, and possess the experience and compassion to be a voice for all the residents of the Upper Valley and Cascade Locks.
Being a County Commissioner requires a civic mindset. Commissioners have to work with a variety of stakeholders fairly and democratically to achieve the greatest public good possible. What kind of civic experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you have and how will you use them to benefit our communities?
My career as a software engineer requires me to understand the complex problems presented by our customers while balancing those with the technical demands of my superiors, I know that this work has helped me develop the skill to bridge the gap between stakeholders with disparate demands and provide outcomes that benefit both sides of the equation. As a long-term resident of this county (with deep family history) I can understand the struggles of the many different types of people that live here because of the time I have spent living and growing up here as well as the time I have spent living outside of this county. I come to the table with a unique perspective that helps me to build relationships with the diverse population of people that live in our incredibly special county.
What are the three main issues/challenges/concerns facing the County right now and how would you like to see them be addressed?
The biggest issue our county (and the nation) face right now is housing, not just for those who can afford to move to Hood River County from elsewhere but also affordable housing for the residents who wish to live and work for the local businesses that keep our county thriving and attractive, as well as the people who work here seasonally.
Another concern that is equally important is the balance between the expanding population of Hood River County and the preservation of the natural beauty, agricultural economy, and ecology that make our place in the world so unique.
The county's budget challenges are not just a problem for Hood River County (but counties state-wide) and require innovative solutions that do not harm or degrade the natural beauty of the place we call home but also help local businesses and residents to grow while not burdening them with increased strain on their pocketbooks.
What County issue(s) are you most interested in advocating for at the State level?
The issues of affordable housing and the modernization of the rules around state property taxes which limit Hood River County's ability to provide the opportunities and services that our residents deserve.
What will you do to improve the economy in Hood River County creating more jobs and higher wages? What industry - tourism, tech, manufacturing, ag, trade, etc. will lead the Hood River County economy for the next decade and how would you support it?
I know there are more ecologically friendly and lucrative opportunities available to the county in the vast lands that the county owns that can generate income for small businesses and the county alike. I believe in the agricultural tourism expansion which can generate more income for farmers and workers who live here without added pressure on the affordable housing market that comes with bringing in large tech companies, as well as the industrial spaces that exist in our county to create manufacturing jobs with good wages that will not destroy the natural beauty that all of our residents and visitors treasure.
What is something you think the County is currently doing well that you want to continue to build on?
I believe that the county has managed well, to the best of its ability, the bridge between our past and the unavoidable future that confronts all of us. I want to be the voice of Hood River County's young and growing population, as well as our farmer's and small business owners, and bring my unique understanding of all who live here to help bridge the gap between our past and the future.
Meet the Measures
Five-Year Operating Levy for Park and Recreation Services
Shall the District impose $0.43 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years for operations starting in 2024-2025?
This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
If this levy is approved, Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District will use funds to support recreation programming, park services, and facilities in the following ways:
Supporting annual operating costs for new and existing services and facilities, including increased costs associated with providing a new pool with community center and recreation space.
Restoring natural areas and maintaining expanded parks and trails.
Providing recreation opportunities, such as youth day camps, youth and adult sports, fitness, enrichment classes, life-saving swim lessons, teen and senior focused programs, and volunteer opportunities.
Reducing barriers to access by offering outreach to diverse populations and scholarships to eligible individuals and families.
The measure would provide for a local option operating levy at a rate not to exceed $0.43 cents per $1,000 of taxable assessed value within the District for five years, beginning July 1, 2024. The proposed rate will raise approximately $1,186,560 in 2024-25; $1,222,198 in 2025-26; $1,258,864 in 2026-27; $1,296,629 in 2027-28; and $1,335,528 in 2028-29 for a total of $6,299,818.
The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY, based on the best information available from the county assessor at the time of the estimate and may reflect the impact of early payment discounts, compression, and the collection rate.
Bonds to Replace Aquatic Center; Fund Parks and Trails
Shall the District issue bonds not to exceed $72,250,000 to provide parks, trails, and a community center with new pool?
If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
If this measure is approved, Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District will use bond proceeds for capital costs related to:
Design and construction of a new pool with a community center and recreation space.
Development of Westside Park with fields, play area, trails, and natural area.
Acquiring and preserving park land including the purchase of Parkdale Park.
Making local trail improvements and connections.
Park improvements and natural area restoration, including parks maintenance shop.
Site improvements, demolition, furnishing and equipment, and bond issuance costs.
The District would establish a citizen oversight committee to ensure proceeds are used for purposes indicated.
Bonds would mature in not to exceed 25 years from issuance and may be issued in series. The estimated annual average tax rate is approximately $1.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The actual levy rate may differ due to final interest rates and changes in assessed value.
Levy to Improve Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Shall WSRFPD improve fire and emergency medical services by levying $0.97 per $1,000.00 of AV for five years, beginning 2025-26?
This measure may cause property taxes to increase by more than 3%.
West Side Rural Fire Protection District responds to fire and emergency medical calls from residents and businesses in a 25 square mile area in Hood River County. Funding is through a property tax base and local option levy. The proposed levy would replace the current levy originally approved by voters in 2014. Funds from the levy would enable the District to:
Increase staffing so at least one fully-trained firefighter/EMT is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Currently, at least one firefighter/EMT is on duty daily 7am to 5pm. During evenings and nights, the District relies on volunteers."
Provide faster response times to emergency calls.
Increase cardiac arrest survival rates.
The replacement levy rate would be $0.97 per $1,000.00 of assessed value, an increase of $0.47 over the current rate.
For a home with an assessed value (not market value) of $218,000, the estimated average for residential property in the District, the cost would be about $211 per year, an increase of $102 per year over the current levy. The requested rate would raise approximately:
$712,249 in 2025-2026
$733,616 in 2026-2027
$755,625 in 2027-2028
$778,294 in 2028-2029
$801,643 in 2029-2030
The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessor at the time of estimate and may reflect the impact of early payment discounts, compression and the collection rate
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