Black Butte Ranch to vote on security tax levy

Black Butte Ranch homeowners will decide in May whether they want to increase the amount they pay to maintain 24/7 police services.

Last week, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners approved placing a proposed local five-year levy on the ballot at a rate of 55 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value. BBR residents have a permanent levy of $1.05 per $1,000.

The new levy, which replaces an expiring levy, adds 15 cents per $1,000 to the tax bill - about $75 per year for a $500,000 home.

BBR Police Chief, Denney Kelley, said the increase will cover increased patrol officer salaries. The Ranch police contract is set up so that salaries are keyed to comparable departments.

"You always want to be in the middle of the road... in wages and benefits," Chief Kelley explained. "We're a little bit behind in salaries and benefits with districts of our size."

There are currently six patrol officers and one administrative staff person on the payroll at the Ranch, along with a sergeant and the chief. Failure of the levy would require reduction of patrols, either through a staff cut or a reduction in hours.

The police department's operating budget is approximately $820,000.