April 23, 2025

Woodburn Fire District to host Q&A about May ballot measure

Residents invited to learn more, ask questions about proposed levy

WOODBURN, Ore. — Woodburn Fire District will host two community question-and-answer sessions in early May to provide information about the local option levy that will appear on the upcoming ballot.

The sessions will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the measure and ask questions about how emergency services are funded across the district’s 75-square-mile service area, including Woodburn, Gervais and surrounding areas of Marion County.

The first session will take place Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at Station 23, located at 13925 Butteville Rd. NE in Gervais. A second session will be held Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m. at Station 21, located at 1776 Newberg Hwy in Woodburn.

The district previously received a federal grant that allowed it to hire eight firefighters and staff two stations, helping reduce emergency response times across the district. That grant funding is expiring, and a replacement grant is not available. Without new funding, the district would not be able to maintain those eight firefighter positions.

District leaders say the proposed levy would provide funding to maintain those positions and continue staffing the two stations, helping preserve the faster response times residents are currently experiencing.

The proposed local option levy is $0.55 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For example, a property with an assessed value of $200,000 would pay about $9.17 per month, or about $110 per year, if the measure is approved.

Community members are welcome to attend either session to ask questions and learn more about how the district provides emergency services. More information about the measure is available at woodburnfire.com/local-option-levy.

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Woodburn Fire District provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and life safety services to approximately 40,000 residents across 75 square miles. The District serves the cities of Woodburn and Gervais, along with surrounding unincorporated areas of Marion County, and responds to an average of 4,000 emergency calls annually.