Q: How did this partnership come about?

Clackamas Fire began providing fleet. training and command and control services in 2020. In 2021 co-staffing of the Eagle Creek community fire station began. A contract for service was recommended after a feasibility study was completed in 2021. 

Since July 2023, Clackamas Fire has been providing full emergency fire and medical services to Sandy under a service contract. Thanks to this partnership, residents have received improved emergency services, with Clackamas Fire staffing a three-person engine company 24/7 and a two person rescue unit for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week at Sandy’s main station. Also, since 2023, many parts of Sandy have begun to face a higher risk of wildfires. As Sandy’s needs for fire and emergency services continue to grow, both Sandy Fire and Clackamas Fire have been engaging in ongoing discussions to determine the best way to continue providing high-quality services to Sandy residents for the long term.

Q: When does the current service agreement expire?

The current contract is set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2027-28. 

Q: Why does Sandy Fire contract with Clackamas Fire for fire and emergency services? 

Affordability. As a stand-alone agency, Sandy Fire recognized the future challenges of providing emergency services without considering asking the public for additional dollars through a levy. Until now, a service contract was the most effective way to continue providing emergency services without putting extra financial strain on the community. The rising cost of insurance, fuel, maintenance, payroll, and other critical expenditures, along with the growing threat of wildfires in our community meant that contracting with Clackamas Fire made the most sense for the Fire District and Sandy residents.

Q: What other options does Sandy Fire have for future fire and emergency services?

Should Sandy residents decide not to join Clackamas Fire, options are limited. Clackamas Fire would likely require an updated contract to cover the true cost of enhanced service level standards, including wildfire prevention and emergency response and deployment of light vehicles. This would likely mean additional taxes or cuts to fire and emergency medical services for Sandy residents, which is why both elected district boards support annexation.

Q: Is there a cost to join Clackamas Fire?   

Sandy residents would pay the same amount as those who live within Clackamas Fire boundaries, which means the median average property owner would pay an additional $4.68/month to be part of the new district (An increase of $0.22/$1,000 for the base rate). Clackamas Fire has a supplemental levy of $0.52/1000 that expires in 2028, which Sandy residents would not pay. Residents would have the chance to vote on any future renewal or other funding measures.

Q: When will a decision be made about annexation? What’s the process?

A final decision to refer a possible annexation measure to the ballot will be made this summer by the Sandy Fire District Board of Directors. If the board decides to refer this decision to voters, Sandy residents will have a chance to cast ballots in November 2025.

Q: What are the benefits of annexation?

Receiving the same level of enhanced services currently being provided across all other communities within the fire district, including 24/7 rescue and enhanced rural protection Having the ability to vote directly on representation to the Clackamas Fire Board of Directors and any future funding measures 

Creating long-term certainty for the city’s emergency response needs, protect and/or enhance our ISO rating, and provide Clackamas Fire with flexibility to make strategic investments in capital facilities, equipment, and operations in Sandy in a way that improves overall regional coordination and life safety response

Q: Will I have an opportunity to provide input on the possible annexation? 

Of course. Sandy Fire and Clackamas Fire are committed to a community-driven process. We have scheduled two open houses for Sandy residents to learn about fire and emergency services in their community, understand funding options, and meet neighborhood firefighters. :

Saturday, May 3rd
3– 12 pm
Sandy Station 71
17460 Bruns Avenue

Saturday, June 7th
10 am – 12 pm
Dover Station 74
24545 SE Firwood Rd.

Q: Does Clackamas Fire have any experience in merging with neighboring districts?

Yes. In fact, most annexations or mergers originally began as contracts.
Clackamas Fire District #1 was formed in 1976 based on a merger between the former Milwaukie Fire Protection District #56 and Multnomah County Fire District #12. Since then, Happy Valley Fire District #65, Clackamas Fire District #71, Clackamas Fire District #54, Beavercreek Fire District #55, Oak Lodge Fire District #51, Clarkes Fire District #68, and Boring Fire District #59 have all joined Clackamas Fire, as well as Damascus, Milwaukie, and Oregon City.