Umatilla Breaks Ground on $19.8 Million Police Station Today

UPDATE: The city of Umatilla has officially broken ground on its new police station, a significant $19.8 million project, as of March 3, 2023. This milestone follows the approval of a bond measure by voters last November, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing public safety for the community.

Mayor Caden Sipe emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Today is more than the start of construction. It’s the beginning of keeping a promise of public safety.” The new facility is set to replace the outdated, triple-wide mobile unit that has served as the police station for over 40 years.

The planned 14,000-square-foot building will be strategically located on Sixth Street (Highway 730), between C and D streets, ensuring easy access for residents. Designed by the architectural firm McKenzie, the new station is poised to accommodate future growth and modernize law enforcement capabilities in Umatilla.

“This is truly an exciting moment for this community,” said Police Chief Ronald Bridge. The new station will feature private meeting spaces for officers to interact with victims and witnesses, secure areas for suspect interviews, and improved facilities for evidence storage. Additionally, it will include a public community room for events and off-street parking—features sorely lacking in the current station.

The decision to build a new police station comes after a previous bond was rejected by voters in May 2025. However, the tide turned with a subsequent approval of the bond measure by 54% to 46%, attributed in part to the introduction of the Public Safety Center Credit. This innovative program offsets costs for residential taxpayers, meaning that for every $1 paid by a local resident, corporations in the enterprise zone, including major players like Amazon Web Services and Sabey, will contribute $14.50 through property taxes.

City Manager Dave Stockdale mentioned that this credit will cost the city approximately $115,000 annually for the duration of the 20-year bond. The strategic financial planning aims to enhance public safety without overburdening local taxpayers.

The existing police station, deemed inadequate and costly to maintain, will be demolished once the new facility is completed, with plans to convert the site into additional public parking. The city anticipates that the new station will be operational by the summer of 2027, significantly improving safety standards and operational efficiency for law enforcement in the area.

As Umatilla moves forward with this essential project, the community can expect enhanced policing services and a renewed commitment to public safety. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the construction progress and the anticipated benefits of this new facility.