UMATILLA, OR — March 3, 2023: Umatilla has officially broken ground on its new police station, a transformative project valued at $19.8 million. This milestone follows a decisive vote by residents who approved the bond measure just four months ago, marking a significant commitment to public safety.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Caden Sipe emphasized the importance of this development: “Today is more than the start of construction; it’s the beginning of keeping a promise of public safety.” The new 14,000-square-foot facility will replace the outdated mobile home currently housing the police department, built over 40 years ago.
The new station will be located on Sixth Street (Highway 730) between C and D streets, right next to the existing police facility. This upgrade is crucial to accommodate Umatilla’s growing needs, providing modern space for officers to conduct secure interviews, store evidence, and meet privately with victims. The design also incorporates essential resources for officers’ well-being, including facilities for physical and mental health support.
Architect David Linton from McKenzie highlighted that the new station is “right-sized for today and well into the future,” ensuring it meets both current and future demands. The facility will feature a community room for public meetings and events, a significant enhancement over the existing station’s limited capabilities.
Police Chief Ronald Bridge expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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.” He acknowledged the contributions of former police chief Darla Huxel, who played a pivotal role in advancing this project.
The necessity for this new facility became increasingly urgent as maintaining the current station was projected to incur high costs and inefficiencies, along with compromising safety for both staff and the public.
In a notable turn of events, Umatilla voters had previously rejected a similar bond in May 2025. However, the tide shifted in November when the measure gained approval with 54% of the votes. City Manager Dave Stockdale credited the introduction of the Public Safety Center Credit, which offsets costs for residential taxpayers, as a key factor in the bond’s success this time around.
This credit will cost the city approximately $115,000 annually throughout the 20-year bond term. Furthermore, for every $1 paid by local residents, corporations in the enterprise zone will contribute $14.50, with major companies like Amazon Web Services and Sabey covering nearly 93.5% of the bond costs through property taxes.
Once the new station is completed—expected by the summer of 2027—the city plans to demolish the old police building and repurpose the site into public off-street parking, further enhancing community resources.
As construction begins, Umatilla residents can look forward to a modern facility that not only promises improved public safety but also signifies a new chapter in the city’s commitment to its community.
