Tillamook County Radio Bond

NOTICE OF ELECTION & RECEIPT OF BALLOT TITLE

Published pursuant to ORS 255.085

Notice is hereby given that a ballot title for a measure referred by the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners has been filed with the County Clerk of Tillamook County, Oregon on July 31, 2024. The November 5, 2024, General Election will be conducted by mail pursuant to ORS 254.465.  An elector may file a petition for review of this ballot title in Tillamook County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, pursuant to ORS 255.155.

CAPTION:  Bonds updating and expanding obsolete public safety emergency communications System

QUESTION:  Shall Tillamook County update and expand obsolete public safety communications system for emergency responders; issue $24,400,000 in bonds; audits required?  If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

SUMMARY:  The current communications system first responders rely on in an emergency is 20+ years old and lacks countywide coverage, with certain areas having little to no coverage. This bond would finance capital costs to update and improve the system. 

The upgraded system would provide an estimated 95% coverage and reliable communication throughout the county, better connecting public safety agencies for a more coordinated response. The bond is expected to fund core and backhaul network

equipment, and:

• Subscriber Equipment, including 1000+ portable and mobile radios, pagers, and control stations for multiple responder groups

• Site Improvements, including 1 or more new towers and upgrades at existing Towers

Annual audits and a citizen oversight committee to provide accountability.

Approval of this measure authorizes Tillamook County to issue up to a principal amount

of $24,400,000 of general obligation bonds over 16 years. Bonds may be issued in

multiple series.

The estimated annual tax rate for the bonds is $0.33 per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual

levy rate may differ due to interest rates and changes in assessed value.                                                                                                                                            

Christy Nyseth, County Clerk

Tillamook County, Oregon

Publish: August 6, 2024