Clackamas County places replacement public-safety levy (53.4¢ per $1,000) on May 2026 ballot

Clackamas County commissioners voted on Feb. 10 to place a replacement public-safety levy on the May 2026 ballot at a rate of 53.4¢ per $1,000 of assessed value for five years beginning in 2027.

County staff presented two principal options: (1) a measure that maintains the existing levy’s services but increases the rate enough to fully fund previously promised positions and associated costs, and (2) a measure that would add new services. Legal counsel explained word limits for the ballot caption and question and recommended precise phrasing: the ballot question uses neutral, statutorily compliant language stating the rate and term; the explanatory statement provides required calculations.

Sheriff Angela Brandenburg and county finance staff outlined how the proposed rate reflects updated assumptions, including indirect charges, vehicle and fleet costs, and labor-contract impacts that were not fully included in the prior levy. Commissioners debated staffing, fleet costs and the risk of undercollection if the rate were set too low. Commissioner Helm said the language must not be presented as a “renewal” because the rate changes; legal counsel advised that the summary and explanatory statement should clarify replacement of the prior levy.

Commissioner Helm moved to place the following language on the May ballot: “Shall Clackamas County fund law enforcement with a rate of 53.4¢ per $1,000 assessed value for five years beginning in 2027?” Commissioner Schrader seconded; the motion passed by recorded roll call (Ayes: Savas, Schrader, West, Helm, Chair).

The board also directed county counsel to finalize and submit the election forms to the elections office to ensure the measure reaches the ballot. County staff said finance teams on both sides (county and sheriff) will continue to monitor assumptions and that vacancy savings can be used to manage implementation if needed.

Next steps: county counsel will complete election forms and staff will finish the explanatory statement and required statutory calculations for the ballot materials.