Eugene’s Fire Service Fee Sparks Community Debate

EUGENE, Ore. – The Eugene City Council’s decision to implement a fire service fee has sparked significant debate among community residents, business owners and city officials. This controversy has led to a referendum petition aiming to challenge the fee through a public vote in an upcoming election. 

To address the $11.5 million deficit in the city’s general fund, the council created the Fire Service Fee as a solution to maintain essential services without resorting to significant cuts. On February 10, the councilors voted five to three to approve the fire service fee. The fee will be used to grow and stabilize Eugene’s emergency medical services by generating $10 million annually. City officials have emphasized that without this revenue, the city would need to implement budget reductions beginning in July 2025, potentially affecting emergency services, the public library and other critical community programs. 

Anyone who owns developed property in Eugene’s city limit who pays stormwater fees is required to pay for the fire service fee. The fee amount is based on the size and type of property. The median single-family household would pay about $10 per month, while the median commercial property would be charged around $38 per month. Proponents argue this funding is necessary to ensure Eugene’s fire and emergency medical services remain operational and can expand to meet the growing demand of the community. 

Some members of the community remain divided over the fire service fee and whether it should be subjected to a public vote. A referendum is an election that allows people to vote on a specific issue. The council cannot hold a special election until after 66 days after the city recorder certifies the completed petition. 

At the Feb. 10 City Council Work Session, Councilor Mike Clark said, “I believe it is a virtual certainty that the 5,800 petition signatures required to send this to a public vote would be gathered.” Clark mentioned opponents of the fee are actively collecting signatures to place the fee on the ballot for a public vote.

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is leading the referendum petition effort because they argue that the community deserves the opportunity to accept or reject what they view as an additional tax. The chamber stated they have started sending volunteers to help collect signatures, increasing outreach to businesses and residents.  

 Some residents have raised concerns about how the fee will be allocated. “I think we can all agree that we need fire, police, mental health and homeless services. I support all of these,” said Erik Dreyer-Goldman, who signed the petition. “I have an issue with the way it was pushed through without the public voting on it.” 

Dreyer-Goldman also questioned the transparency of the funding distribution. “I find it interesting how it is creatively called a "fire fee" when the majority of the money goes elsewhere,” said Dreyer-Goldman. “There is no guarantee that any of the money will go to fire services or any limits.”

According to city officials, $2 million of the annual revenue will be allocated to expanding fire services, while the remaining $8 million will support existing fire services. Despite this breakdown, some residents remain concerned the funds could be redirected to cover other budget shortfalls. 

Supporters of the fee argue that it is essential for expanding and maintaining critical public services. They warn that overturning the fee could lead to severe budget cuts affecting multiple community programs. 

“​​The petition will trigger an election which will cost money and will have the effect of losing many Eugene services that people will regret losing,” said Diana Abernathey. “This includes library days, librarians, the closure of Amazon pool, park closures, loss of city support for Kidsports, Boys and Girls Club and the loss of our animal welfare officers.”

City officials echo these concerns, emphasizing that repealing the fee would force them to find alternative ways to close the budget deficit. 

“As somebody who grew up with a single mother who went to library programs, who used 4H, who used theses kinds of services, I know just how damaging it can be to have them torn away,” said Adam Epstein, union president of the American Federation of State, County Municipal Employees Local 1724. “I am here to advocate on behalf of my members and myself to say please do not sign the petition to refer this to a vote because the city council has done their job.”

Petitioners must collect 5,817 signatures from registered voters living in Eugene by March 13, 2025, and submit them to the Eugene City Recorder. If the referendum is passed, it will be included in either a special election or the November election.