Measure 34-349 Impact on Taxpayers and Renters – Vote No on $150 Million Tigard Bond Measure
Submitted by Bill Monahan
Tigard certainly needs better facilities for police and public works. But the scope and timing of a massive $150 million ask are wrong. In 2000, the then Council recognized the need for an enhanced police building. But only 36.1% voted “yes” for both police and library facilities. The Council then carved out the library, optioned land, and in 2002, 59% approved a $13 million bond to build a new library. The city had set aside additional funds for the project and to repurpose the older library for office use. The land was purchased and the library built on time and under budget. But, until now, the Council has not put forth a bond for a new police facility.
A new police facility is needed, but justification for co-locating with public works is lacking. The price tag is excessive. The project should be broken up, and plans developed for a police facility – at a suitable site.
The proposed site was enhanced using State funding in 2018 – to make it suitable to attract needed commercial uses to better balance the City’s tax base. Tigard’s comprehensive plan was adopted, designating a suitable amount of commercial and industrial land for future growth. Recently, Tigard has ignored this by adding the residential-heavy River Terrace areas, placing more demand on services. It is a well-known fact that overreliance on residential properties as a tax base is foolish. Taxes on residential properties do not cover their cost for services; a strong commercial/industrial tax base is needed.
In April, the Mayor told the Rotary Club that “no commercial developer is knocking on the door to develop the site.” But it was only in 2018 that Oregon plowed money into the infrastructure to make the land an economic and job-creating engine. Rather than wait for a suitable buyer, the city bought 9.5 acres of the enhanced site for $13 million – so taxpayers paid to make the land suitable for development, and then the city bought it at an inflated price! The site should be returned to the market (and tax rolls) for future job-creating uses, and the city should identify sites suitable for police, public works, and emergency management needs. No reason has been suggested for co-locating the departments, other than that the city already bought the land!
Since 2005, the failure to address police facilities and the decision to package a monstrous campus have led me to question the Council’s actions. Polling results from last year did not indicate bond passage is likely. Those polls were taken before 2025-26 Property Tax Statements were received, including significant voter-approved increases for TTSD’s bond and local options for TVF&R and Washington County. How much can residents afford? Adding Tigard’s bond for up to 30 years would increase the tax burden of property owners, concern potential new buyers, and certainly impact rents.
The Council should step back, plan strategically, market the proposed site for commercial/industrial development, and bring forth projects that Tigard can afford to build, operate, and maintain. Vote NO.
Bill Monahan has resided in Tigard since 1982 and served as Tigard’s city manager from 1994 to 2005.
Why I am voting yes on Measure 34-349
Submitted by Gabriel Elijio Velásquez
Tigard is the only place I’ve ever called home. Now I’m in my late twenties, and recently engaged to the most wonderful person I’ve ever met. We are at the point where we are thinking about what it would cost to build a future in Tigard. We care a lot about affordability, and I do not take any tax increase lightly. That being said, I plan to vote yes on Measure 34-349.
Our community’s public safety facilities were built more than 40 years ago. Tigard has tripled in population since then, and these facilities were not built for what our city needs today.They also may not be functional after a major earthquake, which is pretty alarming when you think about it. These buildings are supposed to be used heavily during disaster events, and we’re due for a major earthquake soon.
I completely understand why people are very concerned about the price tag of this bond measure, especially given the current economic conditions. I am too. However, one of the most important objectives of a responsible government is dealing with problems before they become bigger and more expensive. Measure 34-349 is both responsible and proactive.
I love Tigard and I’m here for the long haul. Of course, I want our community to remain affordable. But I also want it to plan ahead and make smart decisions about the infrastructure we all will rely on when we need it the most. That is why I am voting yes on Measure 34-349.
Gabriel Elijio Velásquez
I encourage our community to vote Yes on Measure 34-349
Submitted by Margaret Doherty
I am writing to express my strong support for Tigard’s Bond Measure 34-349 to build a new integrated police and public works facility. This project represents an important step toward ensuring our public services meet the needs of all community members.
A modern facility designed to current accessibility standards will make a meaningful difference for residents with disabilities, older adults, and anyone who relies on equitable access to essential services. This investment helps ensure no one is left behind when seeking assistance or support.
The inclusion of trauma-informed victim interview spaces is also important. These thoughtfully designed environments can provide privacy, comfort, and a sense of safety for individuals reporting crimes or experiencing crisis. By prioritizing dignity and care in these interactions, our community demonstrates respect for victims and helps foster trust in public safety services.
Combining police and public works in one facility also improves coordination and efficiency, strengthening overall service delivery. This bond measure is a forward-thinking investment in infrastructure that serves people with compassion and fairness.
I encourage our community to vote Yes on Measure 34-349.
Margaret Doherty, Former State Representative-Tigard
Vote No on the Police/Public Works Bond Measure
Submitted by Michael Urban
Let me start by talking about the misinformation campaign. “They” originally said the cost would only be a $9 per month for the average homeowner. Sounds cheap. Of course, people would support that. In reality, the actual cost is much, much higher. The first year, the cost is $263 and will rise year after year. They thought that the Parks Bond, which was finally being paid off, was their money to do what they wanted with, which means transferring the debt total to hide the true cost of their pet project.
Police officials complain that officers must travel to a neighboring town for training and want their own facility. How often are officers going for training? I assume it would only be once or twice a year. Not nearly enough to warrant their own room that would probably sit unused the majority of the time. I’ve also heard that an underground shooting range is included. I’m sure that will drive the cost way up. It sounds like this building will have every bell and whistle they could think of.
Why does it have to be large enough to accommodate all of the employees of the police and public works at one time? In this day and age, virtual meetings are being utilized more and more often. Gone are the days that people have to meet in person. Besides, if there is an emergency, I want those buildings to be nearly empty and everyone out in the field dealing with the issue.
After having just been hoodwinked into voting to knock down a 30-year-old school and replace it with a completely new one, how about we vote no and have them come back next year with a more reasonable proposal? Let us taxpayers keep more of our money. We are not every bureaucrat’s personal piggy bank.
Michael Urban is a 14 year Tigard resident and former Tigard business owner.
Yes on Measure 34-349
Submitted by Sue Garino
As a recently retired employee of the Tigard Police Department, I served the City of Tigard for 18 years, the majority of that time in the Property and Evidence Division. I saw firsthand the challenges created by our current facility—and why Measure 34-349 matters.
Our existing building is too small for today’s needs. Staffing has grown with the community, but the facility has not. Workspace is limited, and critical functions are carried out in areas never designed for them.
The most serious issue is evidence storage. Because the department has long outgrown on-site capacity, the majority of evidence is stored off-site. This creates inefficiencies, requiring extra time and coordination to access materials for investigations and court.
It also introduces unnecessary risk. Evidence must be preserved under strict conditions, and storing it in multiple locations increases the potential for inconsistent environmental controls, security vulnerabilities, and exposure to fire or other unforeseen events.
A modern facility would provide secure, centralized storage and adequate workspace, improving efficiency and accountability.
Measure 34-349 is an investment in public safety. I encourage Tigard residents to support it.
Sue Garino is a Tigard resident and retired Tigard Police Department employee.
