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Municipal Elections
Notice of Proposed Ballot Title
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of St. Helens is referring to the voters, for approval at the May 19, 2026 Primary Election, a measure requesting voters approve a General Services Fee ($24).
The City Council has approved the following ballot title for consideration by the voters in the May 19, 2026 Election:
CAPTION (NOT MORE THAN 10 WORDS)
Fee for General Fund staffing, programs and services
QUESTION (NOT MORE THAN 20 WORDS)
Should City adopt fee of $24.00 per month charged on utility accounts to fund General Fund staffing, programs, services?
SUMMARY (NOT MORE THAN 175 WORDS)
Without increase in revenue, City will need to make significant reduction in service. With $24.00 per month fee, City will still need to make some reduction to the below listed current services.
The proposed fee is charged per “equivalent dwelling unit” (EDU) on utility bill, starting July 1, 2026, expiring June 30, 2035, adjusted annually using CPI-U. Houses are one EDU; an apartment complex is based on number of apartments. An RV park is per hook up. An office is based on office space and meter.
Current General Fund services:
- City Hall: five (5) days / week
- Library: six (6) days / week
- Municipal Court: five (5) days / week
- Police: 24/7 coverage
Current General Fund Staffing:
- Police: 23, including thirteen (13) officers, four (4) sergeants, one (1) detective, one (1) lieutenant, one (1) Chief, three (3) administrative.
- Library: Six (6)
- Parks / Rec: Five and half (5.5)
- Community Development: Five (5)
- Administration: Ten and half (10.5), including City Administrator, City Recorder, HR, Finance, Communications, IT
- Municipal court: Two (2), excluding municipal judge, public defenders
Any elector may file a petition for review of the ballot title with the Columbia County Circuit Court within seven (7) business days of the day the ballot title is filed with the City Elections Official. Such petition must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Kathy Payne
City Elections Official
Publish in Columbia County Spotlight: March 6, 2026
Posted to City website: February 26, 2026
