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voters’ pamphlet
November 7, 2023 Special Election
Index to Voters’ Pamphlet
This Voters’ Pamphlet is provided to give voters additional information on this measure. Your ballot will contain only those issues
for which you are eligible to vote, based on where you live. The text of the statements is printed as submitted.
Measure
9-162 Redmond Fire & Rescue - Local Option Levy to Maintain Fire and Emergency Medical Services ................................ 9-6
9-163 Ponderosa Pines East Special Road District - Five Year Local Option Tax for General Operations ............................ 9-11
16-107 Crooked River Ranch RFPD - Five-Year Local Option Levy for Fire & Emergency Operations ................................ 9-12
Voting Information ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9-2
How To Cast Your Vote ................................................................................................................................................................. 9-3
Directions to Your Newest Ballot Drop Sites ............................................................................................................................... 9-4
Translation Information ................................................................................................................................................................ 9-5
Ballot Drop Site Locations
Open Friday, October 20: Available 7 days a week
Election Day, Tuesday, November 7: Open until 8 pm
Bend La Pine Redmond (New Locations)
Deschutes Services Center 1300 NW Wall St, Bend
(Walk-up & Drive-through exterior Drop Boxes located on west side of building)
La Pine Public Library 16425 1st St, La Pine
(Box located at 1st St & Huntington Rd)
Parking Lot across from Centennial Park (Temporarily moved from the Redmond Library) 716 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond
(Box located at north end of parking lot)
Deschutes County Expo Center (Fairgrounds) 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond
(Box located on roundabout in east end parking lot)
-- OR --
Mail your voted ballot in your postage-paid return envelope by 8 pm, Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Remember to sign your ballot envelope. Ballots that are mailed, postmarked by the United States
Postal Service (USPS) by 8 pm on Election Day and received by the Clerk’s office by November 14
will be accepted.
County Clerk’s Office, 1300 NW Wall St, Suite 202 (2 nd Floor), Bend
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm | Election Day, 7 am to 8 pm
-- Voting Booths Available --
voters’pamphlet
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-2 Voting Information
Voting Information
Voting Instructions
Your Ballot Packet will contain the following items:
• Printed ballot
• Postage-paid return envelope to be signed
• Voters’ Pamphlet
Examine your official ballot and vote it:
Examine your official ballot and locate the candidate or
measure response oval of your choice for each contest. To
vote, you must blacken the oval () completely with a
pen (black or blue ink) next to your choices. Do not use a
felt tip pen.
Review your ballot:
Ensure you correctly marked your choice for each contest.
Your official ballot may contain contests printed on both
sides of your ballot.
Prepare to return your ballot:
Place your ballot in the postage-paid return envelope.
Election staff will ensure the secrecy of your ballot. Read
the voter’s statement on the return envelope and sign in
the signature box.
Signing your ballot return envelope:
Your ballot will not be counted if the return envelope is not
signed. Every signature is checked against the registra-
tion signature on file and the signature must match for the
ballot to be counted.
Return your ballot:
• By mail: Return your ballot in your signed and
sealed ballot return envelope. A stamp is not re-
quired. Mail your voted ballot no later than Tuesday,
November 7, 2023.
• At any official drop site: Deliver the signed and
sealed ballot return envelope to an official drop site
no later than 8 pm on Election Day. Postage is not
required.
Remember, review both sides of your ballot. Some
ballots may have contests/measures on both sides.
Disclaimer:
Information provided in statements or arguments by a
candidate, a political party, an assembly of electors, or
a person supporting or opposing a measure have not
been verified for accuracy by Deschutes County.
Registering to Vote
To be eligible to vote in the November 7, 2023 Special
Election, a completed voter registration card must be
postmarked by Tuesday, October 17, 2023.
To register to vote in Oregon, you must be:
1. A resident of Oregon.
2. A United States citizen.
3. At least 18 years old by Election Day.
You must update your registration if:
1. Your residence or mailing address changes.
2. Your name changes.
3. You wish to change your party affiliation.
Important Note: If you have moved or changed your name
and you have not yet updated your registration, you are still
eligible to vote. Call the Deschutes County Elections Office
at (541) 388-6547 for further information.
Voters with disabilities:
If you need assistance with voting or casting your ballot,
call the Deschutes County Elections Office at
(541) 388-6547. We will provide two staff to assist you in
voting. You may also authorize a friend, family member, or
other trusted person, who are not affiliated with your em-
ployer or union, to assist you.
An audio edition of the Voters’ Pamphlet is available. To
order, please contact Independent Living Resources at
(503) 232-7411 or TTY (503) 232-8408.
Contact:
Deschutes County Elections
(541) 388-6547 Deschutescounty.gov/elections
1 (866) ORE-VOTES (se habla Español)
www.oregonvotes.gov
TTY 1 (800) 735-2900
Elections
and
Voting BEND PARKWAYDeschutes County
Elections and Voting
1300 NW Wall St.
Bend, Oregon
N
WALL STREETNORTON AVENUE
LAFAYETTE AVENUE
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-3 How to Cast Your Vote
How to cast your vote...
Complete your ballot
To vote, completely fill in the oval next to your choice with a pen (black or blue ink).
Do not use a felt tip pen.
To vote for a person not on the ballot, fill in the oval next to the “write-in” line,
then neatly write the name of the person on the line provided. Do not write a
candidate’s name that already appears on the ballot.
You do not have to vote on all contests. Those you do vote on will still count.
Check for errors
Insert ballot & sign your return envelope
Return your ballot
Insert only your voted ballot (not another person’s ballot)
inside your ballot return envelope. (If we receive an
envelope with more than one ballot inside, all enclosed
ballots will be rejected and not counted).
By mail: Return your ballot in your signed and sealed ballot return
envelope. Postage is not required. Mail your voted ballot no later than
Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Ballots that are mailed, postmarked by the United
States Postal Service (USPS) by 8 p.m. Election Day and received by the
Clerk’s office by May 24, will be accepted.
At any official drop site: Deliver the signed and sealed ballot return
envelope to an official drop site no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Postage is not required.
The signature on each voter’s ballot return envelope is verified against the voter’s signature on file.
The signatures must match before a ballot can be counted. If your signature has changed, please update your
voter registration.
You must sign your ballot return envelope or your vote will not count.
If you vote for more options than are allowed, your vote will not count for that contest.
If you make a mistake on your ballot, you may make your changes on
the ballot. Draw a line through the entire candidate name or measure
response. You then have the option of making another choice.
Contact Deschutes County Elections Office at (541) 388-6547 to request
a replacement ballot if:
— you make a mistake that you cannot correct
— your ballot is damaged or spoiled
— your ballot is lost
• By mail: Return your ballot in your signed and sealed ballot return
envelope. Postage is not required. Mail your voted ballot no later than
Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Ballots that are mailed, postmarked by the
United States Postal Service (USPS) by 8 pm Election Day and received
by the Clerk’s office by November 14, will be accepted.
• At any official drop site: Deliver the signed and sealed ballot return en-
velope to an official drop site no later than 8 pm on Election Day. Postage
is not required.
How to Cast Your Vote
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-4 Directions to Your Newest Ballot Drop Sites
Directions to Your Newest Ballot Drop Sites Directions to Your Newest Ballot Drop Sites
Watch for signs and banners to direct you to these drop sites.
Redmond Library Ballot Drop Box Has Temporarily
Moved to the Parking Lot at
SW Evergreen Ave & SW 7th St, Redmond
Deschutes County Expo Center
(Fairgrounds)
3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond
Drive-through box is located on the
roundabout in the east end parking lot.
…. Reminders ….
Your Ballot Packet
Your ballot packet will contain a ballot & a postage-paid return envelope
Signing Your Ballot Return Envelope
Remember to sign your ballot return envelope.
The signature on each voter’s ballot return envelope is verified against the voter’s signature on file. The
signature must match before a ballot can be counted. If your signature has changed, please update your
voter registration.
Returning Your Ballot
No stamp required.
Mail by Election Day, Tuesday
Centennial Park
Your ballot packet will contain a ballot, a postage-paid return envelope, and a Voters’ Pamphlet.
, November 7, 2023.
Watch for signs and banners to direct you to these drop sites.
Redmond Library Ballot Drop Box Has Temporarily Moved to the Parking Lot at
SW Evergreen Ave & SW 7th St, Redmond
The Redmond Library is under construction until the expected completion date of June 2024. Signage
will be posted directing voters to enter the parking lot via SW 7th St and exit on SW Forest Ave.
Deschutes County Expo Center
(Fairgrounds)
3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond
Drive-through box is located on the round-
about in the east end parking lot.
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-5 Translation Information
Selected portions of this county voters’ pamphlet are available in Simplified Chinese,
French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. These translations can
be found online at oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP
本县选民手册的部分内容提供简体中文版本。可以访问 oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP
获取译本。
Des sections sélectionnées des brochures de l'électeur de ce comté sont disponibles en
français. Ces traductions peuvent être consultées en ligne à l'adresse suivante :
oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP
주 유권자 팜플렛의 선택된 부분은 한국어 준비되어 있습니다. 번역은 온라인
oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP 에서 찾아볼 수 있습니다.
Отдельные части брошюр избирателей этого округа доступны на русском языке. С
данными переводами можно ознакомиться в Интернете по адресу:
oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP
Algunas secciones de este folleto para votantes del condado están disponibles en
español. Estas traducciones están disponibles en línea en
oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP
Ang mga piling bahagi ng mga pamplet na ito para sa mga botante ng county ay
mababasa sa Tagalog. Makikita online ang mga pagsasaling-wikang ito sa
oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP
Các phần được chọn trong tập thông tin cho cử tri quận này có bản ngôn ngữ tiếng
Việt. Bản dịch có thể xem trực tuyến tại oregonvotes.gov/DeschutesVP
Translation Information
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-6 Measure
Ballot Title9-162
Local Option Levy to Maintain Fire and Emergency Medical Services
QUESTION: Shall the District levy $0.75 per $1,000 of as-
sessed value to maintain general operations for five years,
beginning 2024-2025?
This measure may cause property taxes to increase by more
than three percent.
SUMMARY: The measure, if approved, would authorize
Redmond Fire & Rescue (“the District”) to levy taxes to
support the annual cost of fire and emergency medical
service. The measure would provide for a local option levy
at a rate of $0.75 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value
for five years, beginning July 1, 2024. For a home having
an assessed value of $200,000, the estimated annual cost
would be $150.00 per year or about $12.50 per month.
Funds would be used to:
• Maintain and support paramedic-level response to all life-
threatening medical emergencies.
• Support increasing demand for response to wildland and
structural fires.
• Help the District keep pace with recent increases in call
volume.
Total ESTIMATED revenue for each year of the levy:
$3,604,000 in 2024-2025
$3,712,000 in 2025-2026
$3,823,500 in 2026-2027
$3,938,500 in 2027-2028
$4,056,500 in 2028-2029
The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE
ONLY, based on the best information available from the county
assessors at the time of estimate and may reflect the impact of
early payment discounts, compression and the collection rate.
Explanatory Statement
What services does Redmond Fire & Rescue provide?
Redmond Fire & Rescue (the District) is the first responder for
fire and medical emergencies in its service area providing fire
prevention, public education, aircraft rescue firefighting, and
basic rope, water and ice rescue as well as Basic and Advanced
Life Support ambulance transport for patients. It is staffed by 58
career firefighter/paramedics, paramedics and EMTs.
Who does the District serve?
Redmond Fire & Rescue provides emergency response services
to residents of a 294 square mile area including Redmond,
Terrebonne, Eagle Crest and surrounding areas as well as the
Redmond Airport. The District responded to approximately 7,100
calls in 2022 for the District’s approximately 47,500 full-time resi-
dents and the many part-time residents.
How is the District funded?
The District is funded primarily through a property tax base,
including an existing local operating levy of $0.27 per 1,000 of
assessed value that will expire in 2024-2025. In addition, it re-
ceives revenue from ambulance billings and a contract to provide
services to the Redmond Airport. If approved, the five-year local
option levy would supplement the tax base.
How would levy funds be used?
Funds would be used to maintain the District’s current level of
response to fire and medical emergencies, as well as ambulance
transport. Population growth and aging have contributed to a
68% increase in emergency calls in the last 10 years. Passage
would help ensure continued response to each emergency by a
minimum of two, fully-trained firefighters or medics at all hours of
the day and night.
If approved, the levy would:
• Help ensure paramedic-level response to all life-threatening
medical emergencies. (Paramedics with Advanced Life Support
skills are able to provide procedures on scene that were once
only available in emergency-rooms.)
• Support continued response to all medical calls by a team of at
least two medics. (Medical emergencies make up approximately
85% of the calls Redmond Fire & Rescue responds to.)
• Support increasing demand for response to wildland and struc-
tural fires.
• Help the District keep pace with recent increases in call volume.
What is the cost to property taxpayers?
The levy would be at a fixed rate of $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed
value (assessed value is different than market value). The cost of
the levy for property assessed at $200,000, for residential property
in the District, would be $150.00 a year, or about $12.50 per month.
What if the levy is not approved?
If the five-year levy is not approved, the additional Firefighter/
Paramedic positions will not be filled and response times will
continue to increase. As the Fire District’s population continues to
grow, Redmond Fire & Rescue will not be able to keep up with the
demand for emergency services and will need to seek additional
funding measures or change the way services are delivered.
Need more information?
Visit the District’s website at http://www.rdmfire.org.
(This information furnished by Pat Dale, Fire Chief, Redmond Fire &
Rescue.)
Measure 9-162 Redmond Fire & Rescue
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-7 Arguments
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth
of any statement made in the argument.
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth
of any statement made in the argument.
A core component while serving as Redmond Mayor for 8
years was ensuring the community had a well functioning fire
department. In a similar manner that oversight continued on a
broader scope during my tenure as County Commissioner. In
both capacities it was my responsibility to oversee those func-
tions within the bounds of our available budget while balancing
minimization of undue cost to the taxpayer.
Redmond Fire & Rescue has seen a 68% increase in demand
over the past 10 years, with a respective 26% increase in popu-
lation. Our community demands more of our fire service now,
then it has in the past.
RF&R serves the regions of Redmond, Cline Falls, Eagle
Crest, Terrebonne, along with unincorporated areas of
Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties. RF&R covers 133
square miles of fire suppression and 294 square miles of am-
bulance service coverage for 47,500 residents through 7,126
emergency calls. The nature of fire and emergency services
means a call can come out of any of those regions at any time.
Therefore, their personnel, apparatus, and equipment must
be distributed to minimize response time. Response times
are a standard measurement of fire and emergency services
effectiveness. Proper funding is crucial to get to those in need
quickly with the appropriate amount of adequately equipped
and trained personnel.
Due to the increases in demand along with the corresponding
increases in costs of operations I’m endorsing a ‘Yes’ vote for
Measure 9-162 to increase Redmond Fire & Rescue funding.
Alan G Unger, Former City of Redmond Mayor/Former
Deschutes County Commissioner
(This information furnished by Alan G. Unger.)
Citizens of Redmond Fire District:
I am writing this letter to offer my endorsement and full support
for the upcoming Redmond Fire & Rescue Local Option Levy
that will be presented to our community on November 7, 2023.
As the Sheriff of Deschutes County, I have had the privilege of
working closely with our local fire district and witnessing their
professionalism and unwavering dedication to protecting our
community.
The Redmond Fire & Rescue Local Option Levy is a crucial ini-
tiative that will play a significant role in ensuring the continued
effectiveness and efficiency of our fire district’s operations. The
funding generated through this levy will directly contribute to
enhancing emergency response capabilities, hiring additional
firefighter paramedics, and improving retention programs for
our current fire personnel.
Our local fire district has consistently demonstrated its com-
mitment to public safety through their quick response times,
impeccable professionalism, and dedication to mitigating
emergencies. This levy will empower them to maintain these
high standards and further improve their ability to keep our
community safe.
I firmly believe that public safety is a collaborative effort that
involves various agencies working together to protect our
community. By endorsing the Redmond Fire & Rescue Local
Option Levy, I am demonstrating my strong support for our fire
district and their mission. I urge our community members to
join me in voting in favor of this levy to ensure that our fire dis-
trict has the resources needed to fulfill their vital role effectively.
Together, we can make a difference in the safety and well-
being of our community.
Respectfully,
Sheriff L. Shane Nelson
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office
(This information furnished by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, Deschutes County
Sheriff’s Office.)
Measure 9-162 Arguments
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-8 Arguments
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth
of any statement made in the argument.
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth
of any statement made in the argument.
Vote YES on Measure 9-162
It has been my privilege to serve with Redmond Fire & Rescue
since 2000 in a variety of capacities, most recently as a Board
Director.
I am asking for your support to vote YES for the Redmond Fire
& Rescue Local Option Levy.
The Local Option Levy is an essential investment in the future
of our fire district.
The funds will be used to hire additional firefighter/para-
medics.
As you know, our city is growing. As cities grow, it is common
for emergency calls to grow even faster. This levy is important
to maintain our excellent customer service to you.
More firefighter/paramedics will help us serve you in the follow-
ing ways:
1. Enhance response reliability and improve emergency
response times.
2. Reduce the need to choose between a fire engine and
medic unit; allowing responders to staff two emergency
vehicles at once.
3. Improve firefighter safety at hazardous incidents.
Our community’s safety is of paramount importance, and this
levy represents a significant step toward ensuring that our fire
district remains well-equipped and prepared to handle any
emergency situation.
I encourage all residents to join me in supporting this levy to
provide our fire district with the resources we need to continue
our exceptional service.
Vote YES for Redmond Fire & Rescue Local Option Levy!
Please visit the website for more information:
www.rdmfire.org/242/Local-Option-Levy
Jessica Meyer, Board Member, Redmond Fire & Rescue
(This information furnished by Jessica Meyer, Board Member, Redmond
Fire & Rescue.)
Please join me in supporting Redmond Fire & Rescue Measure
9-162, for one very important reason, SAFETY.
SAFETY for you and your family, and SAFETY for our District
Firefighter/ Paramedics, who protect us everyday. The
Redmond Fire & Rescue District (the District) needs this impor-
tant operating levy to help support and acquire critically needed
resources to help suppress structural and wildland fires, and
provide emergency medical services in a timely manner to all
of us in this beautiful Central Oregon community we live in.
The demand for emergency services is growing in our com-
munity. The District reported approximately 7,100 calls in
2022, many requiring multiple apparatus and crews dispatched
on single calls. The District has experienced a 68% increase
in call volume and approximately a 26% increase in population
over the past 10 years. (RF&R Board Meeting Agenda, July
19, 2023)
To keep up with the increased demand for services, our District
is proposing to replace the current local option levy. Funding
from this proposed local operating levy will be used to hire ad-
ditional Firefighter/Paramedics which will allow for faster, more
effective, and efficient emergency response for the safety of
you and your family and our Firefighters/Paramedics.
We all respect and are proud of the services provided by our
Firefighter/Paramedics, who serve and protect the growing de-
mands of our citizens’ everyday with professionalism and care.
The District wants to be able to be there in a timely manner, on
what could be the worst day of our lives.
Please join me in supporting Measure 9-162, which will make
available critically needed additional funding that will help in
providing timely and effective life-saving assistance for us all.
Respectfully,
John Blanton, Board Member, Redmond Fire & Rescue
(This information furnished by John Blanton, Board Member, Redmond
Fire & Rescue.)
Measure 9-162 Arguments
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-9 Arguments
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth
of any statement made in the argument.
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth
of any statement made in the argument.
Redmond Fire and Rescue have not sought a new operat-
ing levy in quite some time. Since then, of course, things for
the district have changed quite dramatically. Over the past 10
years, the fire district has experienced a 26% increase in popu-
lation, and 68% increase in emergency call volume. The Fire
District now serves about 47,500 residents, and emergency
calls for service in 2022 were 7,126.
What will a new operating levy do for the District? The funding
will be used to hire additional firefighter/paramedics, and en-
hance recruitment programs and retention of current firefighter/
paramedics. This is vitally important because the additional
staffing will:
-Enhance response reliability and improve emergency
response times.
-Reduce the need to choose between a fire engine
and medic unit; allowing responders to staff two
emergency vehicles at once.
-Improve firefighter safety at hazardous incidents.
I encourage the District voters to support this ballot measure.
We need our community to be as safe as it possibly can, and
one way to achieve this to ensure we have adequate and
proper fire and rescue capabilities in place.
George Endicott
Former Redmond Mayor
(This information furnished by George Endicott, Former Redmond Mayor.)
Having served with Redmond Fire & Rescue for 29 years, I
have seen the increase in demand and the requisite need for
an increase in emergency response funding for our local com-
munity.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) creates
national codes and standards to be modeled throughout the
fire service. NFPA 1710 recommends a fire engine be staffed
with four firefighters. Redmond Fire currently staffs its engines
with only 2-3 firefighters. This is due to budgetary constraints.
This requires crews to cross staff multiple different pieces of
apparatus. As a continuous staffing model, this is seen as an
unsafe practice in the fire industry. Structure and wildland fire,
vehicle extrication, technical rescue, and cardiac arrests are
just a few of the call types that demand a personnel heavy
response. RF&R indisputably needs additional funding to in-
crease its staffing model to three firefighters dedicated on each
engine, moving us closer to meeting national standards, keep-
ing our communities safer during these events. Additionally,
this funding will permit Cline Falls and Terrebonne Fire Stations
to be independently staffed with a dedicated engine company,
allowing RF&R to respond to multiple calls, or with multiple
units concurrently.
A 68% increase in call volume with a 26% increase in popula-
tion in 10 years is a clear and simple way to understand that
the demand on the fire service has increased per capita, and
only an increase in funding will allow Redmond Fire to keep
up. Please help them continue to help us by voting yes on
Measure 9-162.
Jon Wood, Redmond Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief – Retired
(This information furnished by Jon Wood.)
Measure 9-162 Arguments
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-10 Arguments
Argument in Favor
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth
of any statement made in the argument.
This November the voters within the Redmond Fire and
Rescue District will be asked to approve a new operating
levy. The levy will give our firefighters and first responders the
personnel and resources to meet the growing demand for fire
protection and emergency services within our district. This new
levy will replace the existing operating levy and ensure those in
need be able to get help in a timely manner.
Our Fire and Rescue District provides protection for fires and
emergency services in Redmond, Cline Falls, Eagle Crest,
Terrebonne and other unincorporated areas into Deschutes,
Jefferson and Crook counties. The District serves approximate-
ly 47,000 residents and in 2022 responded to 7126 emergency
calls.
Over the past 10 years the District has experienced a 26%
increase in the number of residents within the district. Our fire
stations have also seen a 68% increase in call volumes. The
current levy was approved by the voters in 2020 and is sched-
uled to expire in 2025.
As members of the Redmond City Council, we support the
levy being placed before the voters this November. There is no
question this vital service must be provided at a level commen-
surate with our growing population and our increasing need for
emergency services.
Please join us in voting YES for the Redmond Fire and Rescue
District levy.
Thank you.
Ed Fitch, Mayor
Cat Zwicker, Council President
Shannon Wedding, City Councilor
Clifford Evelyn, City Councilor
John Nielsen, City Councilor
Kathryn Osborne, City Councilor
Tobias Colvin, City Councilor
(This information furnished by Ed Fitch, City of Redmond.)
Measure 9-162 Arguments
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-11 Measures
Measure 9-163 Ponderosa Pines East Special Road District
Ballot Title9-163
Five Year Local Option Tax for General Operations
QUESTION: Shall Ponderosa Pines East Special Road
District impose $6,000 each year for five years for general
operations beginning 2023/2024? This measure may cause
property taxes to increase more than three percent.
SUMMARY: The taxes needed for five years total $30,000,
which will be imposed in equal amounts of $6,000 each year.
The tax revenue from this measure will provide revenues
sufficient for the Ponderosa Pines East Special Road District
to operate at its current level of service for residents within
the boundary of the Ponderosa Pines East Special Road
District including:
Road Grading, Surfacing with Rock, Dust Control, Snow
Plowing, Safety and Traffic Control Signs, District Insurance,
Operating Expenses of the District
When the District was formed, the Board, with advice from
Deschutes County, determined the tax rate to be $1.0469 per
$1,000 of assessed value. This estimate included property
along Rim Rd that is NOT part of the District. After removing
the Rim Rd properties from the District, the District’s remain-
ing property value resulted in less tax revenue for the district.
This new rate would REPLACE the expired levy rate. It is NOT
in addition to the rate assessed for the expired levy.
Explanatory Statement
When the Ponderosa Pines East Special Road District was
formed, the Board, with advice from Deschutes County, deter-
mined the rate needed for the road district’s goals to be $1.0469
per $1000 of assessed value. This rate of $1.0469 per $1000 of
assessed value is the permanent rate and can only be changed
through approval by a vote of the people of the State of Oregon
in a statewide election.
The base map boundary establishing the district was drawn wrong
and included property along Rim Rd. that is NOT part of the road
district. After removing the Rim Rd. properties from the Ponderosa
Pines East Special Road District, Deschutes County reassessed
the road district’s property values. This reassessment resulted in
less tax revenue for the district.
Road District expenditures are anticipated to exceed tax revenues
in the near future, due to increased costs for snow plowing,
grading, rock surfacing, district insurance and dust control. The
proposed five-year local option tax will provide revenues more
sufficient to meet road improvement, snow removal, dust control
and safety issues for the near future.
This new rate would REPLACE the EXPIRED levy rate. It is NOT
in addition to the rate assessed for the EXPIRED levy.
(This information furnished by Debra L Grinols, Ponderosa Pines East
Special Road District.)
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-12 Measures
Measure 16-107 Crooked River Ranch RFPD
Ballot Title16-107
Five-Year Local Option Levy for Fire & Emergency Operations
QUESTION: Shall District impose $1.17 per $1,000 of as-
sessed value for emergency services operations for five years
beginning 2024-2025? This measure may cause property
taxes to increase more than three percent.
SUMMARY: This measure, if approved, authorizes Crooked
River Ranch Rural Fire Protection District to levy taxes to sup-
port the annual cost of fire, rescue, and emergency medical
services operations. The measure provides for a local option
levy at a rate of $1.17 per $1,000 of assessed value for five
years, beginning July 1, 2024. This measure replaces the
current levy that expires June 30, 2024. For a home having
an assessed value of $200,000, the estimated cost would be
$234 per year or $19.50 per month.
The District is facing escalating costs caused by increasing
emergency call volume and rising costs to provide emergency
services. Funds from this levy would be used to sustain
operations, including: 1) maintain increased staffing to meet
the increasing call volume; 2) support increasing costs for
providing fire, rescue, and medical responses; 3) assist in
saving for capital equipment replacement.
The proposed levy rate would raise approximately $492,649 in
2024-2025, $514,819 in 2025-2026, $537,986 in 2026-2027,
$562,195 in 2027-2028, and $587,494 in 2028-2029, for a
total of $2,695,143.
Explanatory Statement
What services does Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue provide?
Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue (the District) provides emer-
gency response in its service area providing fire suppression, fire
prevention, technical rope rescue, and basic and advanced life
support ambulance service. It is staffed by six career and twenty-
one volunteers that are firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs.
Who does the District Serve?
Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue provides emergency re-
sponse services to the approximately 5,500 residents and many
visitors of the 16.4 square mile Crooked River Ranch community.
The District responded to over 600 calls in 2022.
How is the District Funded
The District is funded primarily by property taxes, including an
existing local option levy of $0.89 per $1,000 of assessed value
that will expire June 30, 2024. In addition, it receives revenue
from ambulance billing. If approved, the new five-year levy would
supplement the permanent tax base.
How would levy funds be used?
Funds would be used to maintain the District’s current level of re-
sponse to fire and medical emergencies, including those requiring
ambulance transport. Population growth and an aging population
have contributed to a 36% increase in total call volume over the
last 10 years and a 66% increase in emergency medical calls over
the last 10 years. Passage would help ensure continued response
to each emergency with fully trained firefighter/paramedics at all
hours of the day and night.
If approved, the levy would:
• Allow the District to maintain two grant funded firefighter/para-
medics and add a third firefighter/paramedic, bringing each
of the three shifts to two career firefighter/paramedics. These
additional firefighter/paramedics will ensure the District has the
flexibility to respond to the increasing number of emergency
medical service calls and meet national standards on minimum
staffing for structure fires.
• Support the increasing demand for response to wildland and
structure fires.
• Help the District cover the increasing costs of providing emer-
gency services.
• Help the District save for future capital equipment replacement
costs.
What is the cost to property taxpayers?
The new levy would be at a fixed rate of $1.17 per $1,000 of as-
sessed value (assessed value is different than market value).
This new levy rate is a $0.28 increase over the expiring levy. For
a property with an assessed value of $200,000 the cost increase
over the expiring levy is $56.00 per year or about $4.66 per month.
The total cost of the new levy for property assessed at $200,000
would be $234.00 a year or $19.50 per month.
What if the levy is not approved?
If the five-year levy is not approved, the additional firefighter/para-
medics would not be able to be maintained and response times
would increase to certain emergencies. As the District’s population
continues to grow, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue will not
be able to keep up with the demand for emergency services and
will need to see additional funding measures or change the way
services are delivered.
Need more information?
Visit the District’s website at http://www.crrfire.org.
(This information furnished by Sean Hartley, Fire Chief, Crooked River
Ranch RFPD.)
15Know Your Rights — Oregon Voter Bill of Rights
1 866 673 8683
se habla español
1 800 735 2900
for the hearing impaired
for more information
If you are a US citizen, live in Oregon, are 18 years old, and have
registered to vote.
You have the right to a secret
vote. You do not have to tell
anyone how you voted.
You have the right to get a
“provisional ballot”, even if you are
told you are not registered to vote.
You have the right to get a new
ballot if you make a mistake.
You have the right to vote for the
person you want. You can write in
someone else’s name if you don’t
like the choices on your ballot.
You have the right to vote “yes”
or “no” on any issue on your ballot.
You have the right to leave some
choices blank on your ballot. The
choices you do mark will still count.
You have the right to use a voting
system for all Federal Elections
that makes it equally possible for
people with disabilities to vote
privately and independently.
You have the right to know if your
ballot, including a “provisional
ballot”, was accepted for counting.
You have the right to file a
complaint if you think your voting
rights have been denied.
You have the right to vote even
if you are houseless.
You have the right to vote if you
have been convicted of a felony but
have been released from custody,
even if you are on probation or
parole.
You have the right to vote even
if you have a guardian and even if
you need help reading or filling
out your ballot.
You have the right to vote or
cast your ballot if you are in line
by 8 pm on Election Day.
You have the right to know if
you are registered to vote.
You have the right to choose
whether or not you want to register
as a member of a political party.
You have the right to use a
signature stamp or other mark
but first you have to fill out a
form. No one can sign for you.
You have the right to ask for
help from elections staff or from a
friend or family member. There
are some people who cannot help
you vote, for example, your boss
or a union officer from your job.
(Oregon Constitution, Sections 2 and 3; ORS Chapters 137, 246, 247, and 254; Vote By Mail
Manual; Help America Vote Act of 2002; OAR 165-001-0090 and 165-007-0030)
You have the right to
Know Your Rights
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-13 Know Your Rights
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-14 The Elections Process in Deschutes CountyOfficial Deschutes County 2022 General Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-46 The Elections Process in Deschutes County
The Elections Process in Deschutes CountyThe Elections Process in Deschutes County
Step 1.
Voter Registration
To register to vote, you are
required to provide valid
identification proving that you
are eligible to vote. After
reviewing and verifying your
information, we enter it into our
voter registration database.
ORS 247.012
Step 2.
Election Equipment
Testing
We use election equipment that
is certified according to State
and Federal standards. We test
our election equipment before,
during, and after each election.
ORS 254.235
Step 5. Verify Voter
Eligibility
Upon receipt of your ballot, it is
sent through our ballot envelope
sorting machine, which scans an
image of your signature while
sorting your ballot by voting
precinct. Trained elections staff
verify your envelope signature
by comparing it to your
signature on file in the voter
registration database.
ORS 247.012, 247.019, 247.025,
& 254.470
Step 6.
Processing Ballots
If your signatures match, your
ballot envelope moves on to be
opened. If they don’t match, we
contact you by mail to resolve
the issue so we can count your
ballot. If a ballot is damaged or
contains machine-unreadable
marks, we flag it for manual
review. Our goal is to count all
eligible ballots as voters intend.
ORS 254.478
Step 7.
Ballot Scanning &
Tabulation
After ballots are removed from
their envelopes, we scan the
ballots and count all the valid
votes to determine the results of
each contest in the election. Our
federally and state certified
voting system is secure and
never connected to the internet.
ORS 254.485, 254.500
Step 8.
Ballot Adjudication
Teams of two staff, each of
different political parties, review
if ballots are damaged, have
stray marks, or have corrections,
undervotes, overvotes, and blank
contests to verify voter intent
and ensure accurate tabulation.
All ballots are stored in a secure
location under 24/7 surveillance.
ORS 254.476, 254.482, 254.483
Step 9.
Unofficial Results
We begin publishing unofficial
results after 8pm on Election
Day. Results are unofficial until
after all ballot return deadlines
have passed and after we have
counted every valid ballot we
received.
ORS 254.545
Find unofficial results on
deschutescounty.gov/electionresults
Step 10.
Certification of Official
Results
After the Board of Canvassers
reviews and verifies the
outcome of the election, official
election results are certified by
the county.
ORS 254.545(3)
Certified election results are
published 27 days after
Election Day on
deschutescounty.gov/electionresults
Step 11.
Audit
Audits are a normal check and
balance that are part of every
election. We use audits to
confirm that election equipment
accurately interpreted and
tallied voters’ ballots, that the
outcome of the election reflects
how voters voted, and that
election workers followed
procedures.
ORS 254.529
Step 12.
Ballot Storage
We securely store all paper
ballots and other records as part
of the official record for two
years. After two years, the
ballots are destroyed.
OAR 166-150-0035(14)(a)
Step 3.
Ballots Are Mailed
All registered voters are mailed
a ballot packet containing their
ballot and a postage-paid return
envelope that has a printed
security weave on the inside
that protects your privacy and
the secrecy of your vote. We
provide registered Uniformed
and Overseas Civilian voters
access to their ballots via mail
or online portal.
ORS 253.065, 253.545, 254.470
Step 4.
Ballot Collection
In Deschutes County, voters can
return their voted ballot by mail
or at one of our ten Official Ballot
Drop Site locations, conveniently
located throughout the county.
Drop Site ballots are collected,
and mailed ballots are received
at our Clerk’s Office located in
the Deschutes Services Building
for ballot tabulation.
ORS 254.4
The Elections Process in Deschutes County
Official Deschutes County 2022 General Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-46 The Elections Process in Deschutes County
The Elections Process in Deschutes CountyThe Elections Process in Deschutes County
Step 1.
Voter Registration
To register to vote, you are
required to provide valid
identification proving that you
are eligible to vote. After
reviewing and verifying your
information, we enter it into our
voter registration database.
ORS 247.012
Step 2.
Election Equipment
Testing
We use election equipment that
is certified according to State
and Federal standards. We test
our election equipment before,
during, and after each election.
ORS 254.235
Step 5. Verify Voter
Eligibility
Upon receipt of your ballot, it is
sent through our ballot envelope
sorting machine, which scans an
image of your signature while
sorting your ballot by voting
precinct. Trained elections staff
verify your envelope signature
by comparing it to your
signature on file in the voter
registration database.
ORS 247.012, 247.019, 247.025,
& 254.470
Step 6.
Processing Ballots
If your signatures match, your
ballot envelope moves on to be
opened. If they don’t match, we
contact you by mail to resolve
the issue so we can count your
ballot. If a ballot is damaged or
contains machine-unreadable
marks, we flag it for manual
review. Our goal is to count all
eligible ballots as voters intend.
ORS 254.478
Step 7.
Ballot Scanning &
Tabulation
After ballots are removed from
their envelopes, we scan the
ballots and count all the valid
votes to determine the results of
each contest in the election. Our
federally and state certified
voting system is secure and
never connected to the internet.
ORS 254.485, 254.500
Step 8.
Ballot Adjudication
Teams of two staff, each of
different political parties, review
if ballots are damaged, have
stray marks, or have corrections,
undervotes, overvotes, and blank
contests to verify voter intent
and ensure accurate tabulation.
All ballots are stored in a secure
location under 24/7 surveillance.
ORS 254.476, 254.482, 254.483
Step 9.
Unofficial Results
We begin publishing unofficial
results after 8pm on Election
Day. Results are unofficial until
after all ballot return deadlines
have passed and after we have
counted every valid ballot we
received.
ORS 254.545
Find unofficial results on
deschutescounty.gov/electionresults
Step 10.
Certification of Official
Results
After the Board of Canvassers
reviews and verifies the
outcome of the election, official
election results are certified by
the county.
ORS 254.545(3)
Certified election results are
published 27 days after
Election Day on
deschutescounty.gov/electionresults
Step 11.
Audit
Audits are a normal check and
balance that are part of every
election. We use audits to
confirm that election equipment
accurately interpreted and
tallied voters’ ballots, that the
outcome of the election reflects
how voters voted, and that
election workers followed
procedures.
ORS 254.529
Step 12.
Ballot Storage
We securely store all paper
ballots and other records as part
of the official record for two
years. After two years, the
ballots are destroyed.
OAR 166-150-0035(14)(a)
Step 3.
Ballots Are Mailed
All registered voters are mailed
a ballot packet containing their
ballot and a postage-paid return
envelope that has a printed
security weave on the inside
that protects your privacy and
the secrecy of your vote. We
provide registered Uniformed
and Overseas Civilian voters
access to their ballots via mail
or online portal.
ORS 253.065, 253.545, 254.470
Step 4.
Ballot Collection
In Deschutes County, voters can
return their voted ballot by mail
or at one of our ten Official Ballot
Drop Site locations, conveniently
located throughout the county.
Drop Site ballots are collected,
and mailed ballots are received
at our Clerk’s Office located in
the Deschutes Services Building
for ballot tabulation.
ORS 254.4
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-15 The Elections Process in Deschutes CountyOfficial Deschutes County 2022 General Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-47 The Elections Process in Deschutes County
The Elections Process in Deschutes CountyThe Elections Process in Deschutes County
Step 1.
Voter Registration
To register to vote, you are
required to provide valid
identification proving that you
are eligible to vote. After
reviewing and verifying your
information, we enter it into our
voter registration database.
ORS 247.012
Step 2.
Election Equipment
Testing
We use election equipment that
is certified according to State
and Federal standards. We test
our election equipment before,
during, and after each election.
ORS 254.235
Step 5. Verify Voter
Eligibility
Upon receipt of your ballot, it is
sent through our ballot envelope
sorting machine, which scans an
image of your signature while
sorting your ballot by voting
precinct. Trained elections staff
verify your envelope signature
by comparing it to your
signature on file in the voter
registration database.
ORS 247.012, 247.019, 247.025,
& 254.470
Step 6.
Processing Ballots
If your signatures match, your
ballot envelope moves on to be
opened. If they don’t match, we
contact you by mail to resolve
the issue so we can count your
ballot. If a ballot is damaged or
contains machine-unreadable
marks, we flag it for manual
review. Our goal is to count all
eligible ballots as voters intend.
ORS 254.478
Step 7.
Ballot Scanning &
Tabulation
After ballots are removed from
their envelopes, we scan the
ballots and count all the valid
votes to determine the results of
each contest in the election. Our
federally and state certified
voting system is secure and
never connected to the internet.
ORS 254.485, 254.500
Step 8.
Ballot Adjudication
Teams of two staff, each of
different political parties, review
if ballots are damaged, have
stray marks, or have corrections,
undervotes, overvotes, and blank
contests to verify voter intent
and ensure accurate tabulation.
All ballots are stored in a secure
location under 24/7 surveillance.
ORS 254.476, 254.482, 254.483
Step 9.
Unofficial Results
We begin publishing unofficial
results after 8pm on Election
Day. Results are unofficial until
after all ballot return deadlines
have passed and after we have
counted every valid ballot we
received.
ORS 254.545
Find unofficial results on
deschutescounty.gov/electionresults
Step 10.
Certification of Official
Results
After the Board of Canvassers
reviews and verifies the
outcome of the election, official
election results are certified by
the county.
ORS 254.545(3)
Certified election results are
published 27 days after
Election Day on
deschutescounty.gov/electionresults
Step 11.
Audit
Audits are a normal check and
balance that are part of every
election. We use audits to
confirm that election equipment
accurately interpreted and
tallied voters’ ballots, that the
outcome of the election reflects
how voters voted, and that
election workers followed
procedures.
ORS 254.529
Step 12.
Ballot Storage
We securely store all paper
ballots and other records as part
of the official record for two
years. After two years, the
ballots are destroyed.
OAR 166-150-0035(14)(a)
Step 3.
Ballots Are Mailed
All registered voters are mailed
a ballot packet containing their
ballot and a postage-paid return
envelope that has a printed
security weave on the inside
that protects your privacy and
the secrecy of your vote. We
provide registered Uniformed
and Overseas Civilian voters
access to their ballots via mail
or online portal.
ORS 253.065, 253.545, 254.470
Step 4.
Ballot Collection
In Deschutes County, voters can
return their voted ballot by mail
or at one of our ten Official Ballot
Drop Site locations, conveniently
located throughout the county.
Drop Site ballots are collected,
and mailed ballots are received
at our Clerk’s Office located in
the Deschutes Services Building
for ballot tabulation.
ORS 254.4
The Elections Process in Deschutes County
Official Deschutes County 2023 Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet
9-16 Sticker Contest
Deschutes County Elections: 2024 “I Voted” Sticker Contest
Deschutes County Clerk's Office invites local students to enter the Deschutes County “I Voted”
Sticker Contest. K-12 students are encouraged to design an “I Voted” sticker that will be used during
the 2024 Presidential Primary and General elections, and featured in each election’s Voters’ Pamphlet.
Elementary school (K-5) sticker design submissions will be accepted through the end of the year, with
the winner announced in February 2024. Middle-high school (6-12) sticker design submissions will be
accepted through the end of June 2024, with the winner announced in August 2024. Winning artwork
will be used in Deschutes County Elections materials, promotions and outreach and exhibited
throughout the Deschutes County Services Building in downtown Bend.
Contest Details
The “I Voted” Sticker Contest Entry Form and the Design Template are available at the Clerk’s
Office and for download on the Deschutes County Elections website:
www.deschutescounty.gov/artcontest.
Elementary school (K-5) students should mail or deliver their entries by December 31, 2023.
Middle-high school (6-12) students should mail or deliver their entries by June 30, 2024:
In-Person: Deschutes County Clerk's Office, 1300 NW Wall Street, Ste 202, Bend
By Mail: Deschutes County Clerk's Office, “I Voted” Sticker Contest, PO Box 6005, Bend,
Oregon 97708
Email: artcontest@deschutescounty.gov
“I Voted” Sticker Design Contest Rules
Circular “I Voted” sticker design (will be resized to fit a two inch (2”) diameter sticker)
Hand rendered and digital designs accepted
o Digital submissions should have a minimum resolution of 300 ppi
o Hand rendered submissions should be drawn on white paper
Designs should be nonpartisan and should not reference any political group
Designs must include red, white, and blue colors at a minimum
Designs must be original work and cannot use or reuse any imagery that is not theirs (no clip art
or copyrighted imagery)
Deschutes County Elections: 2024 “I Voted” Sticker Contest