The city of Umatilla has officially commenced construction on a new police station, following a groundbreaking ceremony on March 3, 2024. This initiative comes after residents voted in favor of a $19.8 million bond measure in November 2023, marking a significant step toward enhancing public safety in the community.
Mayor Caden Sipe emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Today is more than the start of construction. It’s the beginning of keeping a promise of public safety.” The new facility is anticipated to replace the current police station, which is housed in a mobile home built over 40 years ago.
Design and Future-Proofing
The planned police station will span 14,000 square feet and is located on Sixth Street, between C and D streets, adjacent to the existing facility. According to David Linton from the McKenzie architectural firm, the design will account for future growth. “It’s right-sized for today and well into the future,” he noted.
The new station will provide adequate space for officers to conduct private meetings with victims and witnesses, securely interview suspects, and store evidence and records. It will also feature a community room for public meetings and events, as well as off-street parking—facilities that are currently lacking in the old station. Police Chief Ronald Bridge expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the limitations of the existing facility. “This is truly an exciting moment for this community… This is really going to make a difference.”
Financial Considerations and Community Support
The city’s previous attempt to pass a similar bond in May 2023 was unsuccessful, with voters rejecting it by 58.1% to 41.9%. However, the bond measure garnered approval six months later, passing with 54% of the vote. City Manager Dave Stockdale attributed the success to the introduction of a Public Safety Center Credit, which offsets the bond payment for residential taxpayers.
The estimated annual cost of this credit to the city is approximately $115,000 over the life of the 20-year bond. Stockdale further noted that for every dollar paid by a local resident, corporations in the enterprise zone would contribute $14.50, significantly covering the bond costs. Notable companies, including Amazon Web Services and Sabey, are expected to pay 93.5% of the total bond cost through property taxes.
Once the new police station is completed, the city plans to demolish the old Umatilla Police Department building and transform the site into an off-street public parking lot. The new facility is anticipated to be operational by the summer of 2027, ushering in a new era of public safety and community service in Umatilla.