Pendleton City Council to Consider Fire Bond Ballot Measure

Proposed 5-year levy would raise $1.62 million annually for fire department needs

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Pendleton City Council is meeting tonight to consider approving a ballot measure for a 5-year, $1.29 per $1,000 assessed value levy to fund the Pendleton Fire & Ambulance department. Fire Chief Tony Pierotti has requested the levy, citing a 64% increase in service calls since 2018 that has strained the department's resources.

Why it matters

The proposed fire levy aims to address growing demand for fire and emergency services in Pendleton, which has led to increased overtime, equipment wear-and-tear, and depletion of other resources. Passing the levy would enable the fire department to hire more personnel, acquire needed equipment, and expand services and prevention programs.

The details

The $1.62 million annual revenue from the proposed levy would fund hiring additional firefighters, purchasing new equipment, establishing new services, and supporting grant writing, efficiency evaluations, and fire prevention programs for the Pendleton Fire & Ambulance department.

The Pendleton City Council is meeting tonight at 7 p.m. to consider the fire levy ballot measure.
If approved, the 5-year fire levy would be on the May ballot.

The players

Tony Pierotti

Fire Chief of the Pendleton Fire & Ambulance department, who has requested the fire levy ballot measure.