Cloverdale RFPD Board Approves Local Option Levy for May Primary Ballot

The Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors has formally voted to place a local option levy on May 19, 2026, primary election ballot.

Why Now?

Since the last levy passed in 2022, the district has experienced a 44% increase in emergency calls. With that increase in calls and as Central Oregon wildfires grow in intensity and complexity, the demand for year-round preparedness has reached a critical point. This levy is designed to maintain and enhance emergency services in the face of these increasing demands, staffing challenges, and rising operational costs. The levy increases staffing during the daytime which will help when students and volunteers are unavailable.  

 

The Financial Impact:

 If voters pass the NEW Local Option Levy you would see a $0.46/$1000 of TAV increase to your taxes.

Proposed Local Option Levy: $1.23/$1000 of TAV.

Current Local Option Levy: $0.69/$1000 of TAV (if the new levy is passed, this one will go away)

Cloverdale RFPD Bond approved in 2014 for the purchase of fire engines and stations: Last year, we levied $.44/$1000 of TAV. Moving forward, we only have to levy $0.36/$1000 of TAV (this money only goes to cover the Bond payment for the year). Expires 6/30/2034

• Average Taxed Assessed Value of approximately ($325,000) this is an increase of $149.50 per year or (roughly $12.46 per month). Taxed assessed value is not the same as Real Market Value (Real Market Value is what your house is worth if you sell it).

How to find your TAV. Go to (https://dial.deschutes.org/) type in your address in the search bar. Real Market Value will be shown, as well as Assessed Value. Assessed Value is what is used for Tax purposes.

What the Levy Supports

Currently, the levy funds two Captains, three student firefighters, and the operational costs for 24-hour paid coverage. If approved, the new levy would allow the district to:

• Hire a Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Specialist/Firefighter: Dedicated to mitigating fire threats across our 50-square-mile service area and increases response staffing for emergencies.
• Restore Training Focus: Fill a vacant Captain position (currently covered by the Training Officer), allowing the Training Officer to return to a full-time focus on crew readiness as well as increases staffing for emergency response coverage when staffing is minimal due to availability of students and volunteers.
• Maintain Current Staffing: Protect the positions of our current Captains and 3 student firefighters.
• Ensure Reliability: Maintain the equipment and supplies necessary for fire protection, EMS, and rescue operations.

What happens if the Levy does not pass.

If the new Local Option Levy of $1.23/1000 TAV does not pass, we would continue to work under the current $0.696/1000 TAV levy until it expires on June 30, 2027. At that time, we would lose funding for two Captains and three student firefighters. This would mean that we would no longer have 24-hour paid staffing.

Your Vote Matters

District voters will decide on the measure during the May vote-by-mail election. We are committed to transparency and will share additional details through upcoming public meetings and district communications.

Questions? For more information, please contact the Cloverdale Fire District at 541-389-2345.