Voters will decide on several ballot measures this evening, ranging from mayor term limits to tax levies to school obligation bonds.
While there are no countywide issues on the ballot this November, voters will deliberate measures in Applegate Valley, Colestin, Rogue River and Eagle Point.
This article will update periodically as results come in.
Colestin
Measure 15-223: Dissolve the Colestin Rural Fire Protection District
Colestin Rural Fire Protection District has this ballot resolution for voters to decide whether to approve a plan of dissolution and liquidation of the district.
“For over four decades, the all-volunteer Colestin Rural Fire District has served the fire and emergency life safety needs of the community. Now core volunteers are aging out, volunteerism is on the decline and the elected Board of Directors have determined that continued operation of a separate fire department is unsustainable,” the measure said in the Jackson County sample ballot. “After researching options and public discussion, the Colestin Board of Directors determined the most viable option for continued fire services is to annex the Colestin territory into Jackson County Fire District 5. Annexation cannot occur until the Colestin Rural Fire District is dissolved. The Board has referred this measure to the ballot as the initial step. Dissolution of the district is the question at issue in the vote before you.”
YES:
NO:
Rogue River
Measure 15-218: Mayoral term length
This measure would amend the Rogue River’s city charter so that the mayor’s term will last four years instead of two years.
YES:
NO:
Measure 15-219: Mayoral and City Council term limits
This measure would eliminate term limits for Rogue River’s mayor and elected city council members.
“The current Charter provision provides that a City Council member or Mayor may serve no more than two terms and no more than a total of twelve consecutive years in any elective office of the City,” the sample ballot said. “This measure amending the Charter would repeal the term limits adopted in 1996. The effect of this Charter Amendment would be to allow any otherwise eligible person to serve in any elective office for so long as the voters of the City of Rogue River elect them to such position.”
YES:
NO:
Measure 15-222: Rogue River Rural Fire Protection District tax levy
This measure would renew an existing local option tax levy of $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value for 10 years starting fiscal year 2025-2025 to Rogue River Rural Fire Protection District capital expenses.
“This measure before the voters now is a renewal of the 2014 levy. If adopted, there will be no overlap of the two levies. When the 2014 levy expires, this new levy would take its place at the same rate for an additional ten years,” the sample ballot said. “Over the last ten years, the local option levy allowed Rogue River Fire District to replace aging equipment, save for vehicle purchases, and make improvements to the fire station. If voters approve the levy renewal, the Fire District will be able to make needed improvements to the station and continue maintaining its capital equipment to provide effective fire and life safety services while at the same time safeguarding the staff and volunteers providing these essential services.”
YES:
NO:
Eagle Point
Measure 15-221: Eagle Point School District bonds
This measure would allow Eagle Point School District #9 to issue $58,295,000 in general obligation bonds, receiving a $4,260,706 state grant to add classrooms, repair and update schools, relieve overcrowding and improve safety and security.
“The District has been awarded a $4,260,706 state grant available only if the bonds are approved. Bonds would mature in 21 years or less from date of issuance,” the sample ballot said. “If approved, the tax rate is estimated to be $1.30 per $1,000 of assessed value, 34 cents less than the rate paid on the District’s prior bond issue. Actual rates may vary based upon interest rates and changes in assessed value.”
According to the sample ballot, the funds would:
- Replace Elementary classroom building at Shady Cove School
- Add classrooms at EPHS, EPMS, White Mountain MS, Eagle Rock ES, Hillside ES
- Improve traffic flow for student safety at EPMS, Eagle Rock ES, and Table Rock ES
- Upgrade security, fire panels, and lighting
- Construct gymnasium at Hillside ES
- Add multi-use spaces at middle schools
- Renovate locker rooms at EPHS and restrooms at Table Rock ES
- Add covered outdoor areas
- Improve playgrounds
YES:
NO:
Applegate Valley
Measure 15-220
This measure would implement a five-year local option tax levy of $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value for Applegate Valley Rural Fire Protection District #9 staffing and operations starting 2024-2025.
“This request is for $1.25/$1000 of assessed value, to replace the current levy that expires in 2024. If the levy does not pass, taxes would remain at $1.6787/$1000 of assessed value, the $1.25/$1000 of assessed value would not be assessed, resulting in a 43% reduction in the District’s Operating Budget and the District would no longer be able to provide 24/7 staffing at any station,” the sample ballot said. “The estimated amount of taxes that would be raised per year is as follows: $842,550 in 2024/25, $867,827 in 2025/26, $893,861 in 2026/27, $920,667 in 2027/28, and $948,297 in 2028/29.”
According to the sample ballot, the funds will be used for:
- 24/7 staffing at Station 51 (Applegate) and Station 53 (Ruch) by retaining most of the positions that are currently grant funded.
- Retain a Fire Marshal position that is currently grant funded.
- Recruit and Train new volunteer firefighters and medical personnel.
- Replace aging fire engines and staff vehicles.
YES:
NO:
Voting information
For ballot box locations, click here. To see results, click here.
