TD City dives into dollars and sense: Parks & Rec. recommended for $143,000 in water service
The Fort Dalles Fourth of July Committee received some security in the proposed City of The Dalles budget with a $40,000 suggested line item. This will fundamentally help the program as the the volunteers look to be secure in the City’s contribution as it goes to the public for 50 percent of the cost in donations in 2026.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., May 5, 2025 — The City of The Dalles Budget Committee will convene tonight at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 313 Court Street, to begin reviewing the proposed 2025-26 fiscal year budget.
The initial draft, developed by city staff with input from city councilors, is now ready for full vetting by the Budget Committee. The process marks a key step in determining how public funds will be allocated for the upcoming year.
The City has made an open request for bids on a three-year contract to provide tourism marketing and visitor services, a contract the The Dalles Area Charmber of Commerce has received for years. Multiple players have shown interest in applying for the funds. Bids will be reviewed and a contract likely awarded later this month.
The draft budget also includes a variety of community and tourism-related investments, along with several requests that did not make the final cut. Below are highlights of what is included and excluded in the staff-recommended budget:
Tourism Promotion Fund
Fort Dalles Displays – $40,000 recommended
Supports the 2026 Fort Dalles Fourth Independence Day celebration, honoring America's 250th and Oregon’s anniversary with expanded fireworks and event infrastructure.
Here is the total transient lodging tax budget as projected. The City is proposing to transfer $650,00 to the general fund for multiple livability projects. Click the image to enlarge it.
General Fund
Columbia Gorge Humane Society, Spay & Neuter Program – $50,000 recommended
Continues a free program to reduce stray animals and overcrowding, with partial funding for administrative costs.The Dalles Art Center, Roundabout Art Installation – $26,750 recommended
Matching funds for a National Endowment for the Arts grant for a downtown roundabout art project.YouthThink Programs – $25,000 recommended
Supports youth and family initiatives including movie nights, teen leadership programs, and cultural events.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Digital Photo Archive – $6,000 recommended
Funds to help transition over 29,000 historic images to a publicly accessible online archive.
MCCED, LINK Public Transit – $50,000 recommended
Matches state and federal grants for local and regional transit, including free downtown employee passes.
NWCPR, Parks Funding – $143,000 recommended
Funds reduced due to discontinued maintenance at Kramer Field and new water agreement offsetting costs.
The Dalles Main Street, Operations & Events – $25,000 recommended
Supports staff, marketing, and events such as First Fridays and Oktoberfest.
The Dalles Main Street, Mural Restoration – $10,000 recommended
Assists in restoring the historic Umatilla House mural as part of an ongoing preservation effort.Wasco County, Kramer Field Facilities Upgrade – $19,440 recommended
Partial funding for safety and fencing upgrades at Kramer Field.
Not Recommended for Funding
Migrant Education Program – $13,450
East Cascades Works Emergent Internships – $25,000
Girl Scout House Repairs – $47,991.22
Senior Center Building Upgrades and Utilities – $6,000 and $25,300
Radio Tierra Local Studio – $70,000
SafeSpace Training Program – $30,000
Little Music City Fee Fund – $2,600
The Dalles Overground Pride Concert – $4,500
The Dalles Little League Portable Fencing – $46,365
All Together The Dalles Heritage App and Outreach – $11,500
The committee is expected to continue its review over several meetings before forwarding the budget to the City Council for final approval.
