The Dalles Council Set to Adopt $107.2 Million Budget, Create Rainy Day Fund
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The Dalles, Ore., May 7, 2026 — The Dalles City Council is expected to take final action Monday on a proposed $107.2 million city budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, marking the last opportunity for residents to weigh in before the spending plan is formally adopted.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 8, at City Hall, 313 Court Street and will include opportunities for public comment on the budget and other agenda items. Click here to livestream the meeting.
The proposed budget was recommended for approval by the city’s Budget Committee following a public hearing in May.
Want to know more about what’s in the budget?
Read CCCNews’ budget committee stories here and here.
City officials have indicated that only minor changes are expected before adoption. Any substantial revisions would require an additional public hearing later this month.
Among the more notable budget items is the creation of a new city "rainy day" reserve fund designed to help maintain municipal services during economic downturns, emergencies or unexpected revenue losses.
The fund would be established with an initial transfer of $2.75 million and is intended to provide a financial cushion during future economic crises. City officials have set a long-term goal of building reserves equal to 30% of annual General Fund operating expenditures.
Aviation Training Facility
The council will also consider a long-term lease agreement with Columbia Gorge Community College for a new aviation training facility at Columbia Gorge Regional Airport.
Under the proposed agreement, the college would lease a 14,000-square-foot hangar for 20 years, with an option to extend the lease for an additional decade. The college would pay approximately $6,051 per month, or $72,612 annually, with future increases tied to inflation.
The facility is expected to support the college's aviation maintenance technician program and expand workforce training opportunities in the region.
Backup Generators for City Water Wells
Also on Monday's agenda is the award of a $287,975 construction contract for the installation of emergency backup generators at five city water system facilities.
The project, funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is intended to improve the reliability of the city's water infrastructure during power outages and natural disasters. City staff are recommending that the contract be awarded to Hage Electric & Construction Services.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall and will include opportunities for public comment on the budget and other agenda items.
