Measure 34-325 Explanatory Statement

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Cornelius, Oregon has referred Measure 34-325 to the November 7, 2023, ballot.  

Explanatory Statement CORNELIUS FIRE DEPARTMENT 5-YEAR LOCAL OPTION LEVY

As Cornelius grows, so do the needs of our community. The population of Cornelius has grown by over 30% since 2000, leading to increased housing density, more commercial businesses, additional industrial warehouses, and added daily pedestrian and vehicle traffic. This has resulted in increased demand for fire and rescue services; emergency call volume has increased 34% over the last five years, and 14% since 2022 alone. Those calls result in the Cornelius Fire Department (Department) responding to an average of nearly seven emergencies daily.

Yet current professional and volunteer firefighter staffing at the Department falls below fire industry standards and community expectations. A recent survey suggests that an average level of staffing across cities with populations between 25,000 and 50,000 in western U.S. states is 1.01 professional firefighters per capita, but current Department professional staffing is approximately only half that at .49 per capita. Historically, the Department was able to maintain relatively lower levels of professional staff by relying on trained and experienced volunteer firefighters. However, like 73% of fire departments across Oregon, Cornelius has seen a decline in volunteer firefighter commitment over the past five years.

Meanwhile, our community faces threats of natural and human-caused emergencies such as wildfire, natural disasters, and other low frequency/high impact incidents. A timely and effective response to these threats is critical to minimize loss to life and property. In addition, the cost of staffing, materials, supplies and equipment has increased.

WHAT WILL THE LEVY COST, AND WHAT SERVICES WILL IT PROVIDE? The City of Cornelius is asking voters to approve a 5-year local option levy for fire and emergency services that will cost $1.461 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For an average home assessed at $250,000, this would be approximately $365 per year. The proposed levy is intended to meet the growing and evolving fire and emergency needs, and would allow the Department to:

• Improve emergency response services by adding five additional professional and medically trained firefighters, which would provide staffing levels consistent with industry standards;

• Decrease 911 response times;

• Address the significant increase in call volume;

• Better deliver advanced lifesaving medical treatment;

• Purchase updated fire vehicles and equipment; and

• Provide improvements to the Cornelius Public Safety Building.

WHAT IF THIS LEVY FAILS?

If this measure is not approved, a levy for fire and emergency services will no longer be assessed and the Department will eliminate two professional firefighter positions and will be unable to maintain current service levels