Fire and Police Levy Year Two Financial Update

This City of Gresham meeting on August 13, 2026, provided a detailed financial update on the second year of the Fire and Police Levy, which funds public safety staffing and operations through property tax revenues. The discussion focused on budget allocations, staffing levels, and spending trends for both departments. The police department has 38 levy-funded positions with 36 filled, while the fire department has 27 budgeted positions with 26 filled. The levy revenue is slightly exceeding projections by about $300,000, and unspent funds can be rebudgeted in future years. Overtime costs, particularly in the fire department due to vacancies and mandatory shift coverage, were highlighted as a key budget pressure. Committee members raised questions about the allocation of overtime expenses between levy and general funds, prompting a commitment to investigate and potentially adjust accounting practices to ensure levy funds are properly used. The meeting also covered benefit cost trends, including a one-time pension system contribution and annual cost-of-living adjustments. The city plans to issue preliminary year-end financial reports soon, with audited results expected later in the year.