UPDATE: The city of Umatilla officially broke ground today, March 3, 2024, on a new $19.8 million police station, marking a significant step forward in public safety for the community. This groundbreaking ceremony follows closely on the heels of voter approval for the bond measure just four months ago.
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, set to replace the aging mobile home currently serving as the police station, is a direct response to the growing needs of the city.
The new police station will span 14,000 square feet and is strategically located on Sixth Street (Highway 730), between C and D streets, adjacent to the existing station. This upgraded facility is designed to accommodate not only current demands but also future growth, according to architect David Linton of McKenzie.
“This is right-sized for today and well into the future,” Linton stated, highlighting plans for private meeting spaces for officers, secure interview areas, and modern equipment necessary for effective law enforcement. The design also includes a community room for public meetings and events, addressing the limitations of the current undersized station.
Police Chief Ronald Bridge expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting, “This is truly an exciting moment for this community. The current police station lacks a lot of things right now. This is really going to make a difference.” Bridge also acknowledged the contributions of former police chief Darla Huxel in paving the way for this momentous occasion.
Continuing operations out of the outdated building would have led to escalating maintenance costs and operational inefficiencies, compromising safety for both staff and the public. The new station is expected to alleviate these critical issues.
The bond measure’s approval was particularly notable after a previous proposal was rejected by voters in May 2025. In a surprising turnaround, the same voters approved the new measure with a narrow margin of 54% to 46% six months later. City Manager Dave Stockdale credited the establishment of a Public Safety Center Credit as a key factor in the bond’s success. This credit offsets costs for residents, providing an annual credit equivalent to household bond payments, and enables corporations in the area to shoulder a significant part of the financial burden.
Stockdale explained, “For every $1 paid by a local resident, corporations operating in the enterprise zone will pay $14.50.” Notably, major companies like Amazon Web Services and Sabey are expected to cover approximately 93.5% of the total bond costs through property taxes.
Once the new facility is completed, expected by the summer of 2027, the city plans to demolish the old police station and transform the site into a public parking lot, further enhancing community resources.
As Umatilla moves forward with this ambitious project, residents can anticipate a safer, more efficient police force ready to meet the challenges of modern law enforcement. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as construction progresses.
