The City of Milwaukie, Oregon held a public meeting on August 13, 2025, to discuss a proposed Public Safety Fee aimed at addressing resource challenges in police staffing, behavioral health support, library safety, and court operations. City officials detailed the increasing demands on police services, including rising calls for service, officer injuries, and overtime costs, alongside the library's role in community safety and social service referrals. The proposal includes adding a fee to utility bills, structured by residential and commercial usage, to generate approximately $865,000 annually to fund additional behavioral health specialists, patrol officers, training officers, and support staff. The meeting featured community feedback expressing concerns about the fee's regressive nature, comparisons to utility fees, and the balance between funding police versus behavioral health services. Officials emphasized transparency, the need for sustainable funding, and the upcoming council vote on August 19, 2025.

Public Safety Fee Q&A - August 13, 2025