> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://lagrandeloop.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # La Grande council moves forward with public safety fee, approves development incentives - URL: https://lagrandeloop.com/la-grande-council-moves-forward-with-public-safety-fee-approves-development-incentives/ - Published: 2026-09-07T01:46:16.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-07T01:46:16.000Z - Author: Evan Humphry - Tags: #news, #section-city LA GRANDE — The La Grande City Council on Wednesday, Sept. 2, approved a framework for a new public safety service fee, but postponed deciding how much residents would pay each month. The council also approved a development fee waiver and deferral program, annexed property on South 20th Street, and granted Union County an additional $58,289.24 fee waiver associated with water and sewer construction at the Union County Fairgrounds. ### **Public safety service fee** Councilors voted to move forward with the framework for a public safety service fee but tabled a decision on the amount of the fee. An initial proposal called for a $10 fee, which is estimated to generate about $540,000 annually. The revenue would offset only a portion of the city’s documented public safety expenditures and would be restricted exclusively to public safety purposes. The council is expected to determine the fee amount at a later date. ### **Development fee waiver and deferral program** The council approved a new development fee policy intended to reduce upfront costs for housing and commercial construction, aligning with the city’s Housing Production Strategy. The resolution allows the city to waive or reduce certain development fees for new ownership housing intended to be affordable to households earning up to 120% of the area median income. That could include waiving up to 100% of land-use application fees and partially reducing certain Building Division fees. Residential projects and commercial developments that do not qualify for permanent fee waivers could apply to defer eligible city development fees. Not all development costs are eligible for waivers. State surcharges, Parks and Recreation system development charges, utility installation and material costs, and main-line extension costs, among others, would not be eligible. Waivers, reductions and deferrals would be considered on a case-by-case basis by the city manager or staff designated by the city manager rather than by the City Council. The policy takes effect Dec. 1. ### **Fairgrounds fee waiver** The council unanimously approved an additional $58,289.24 fee waiver for Union County related to the Fairgrounds water and sewer project. Union County requested that the city reduce its outstanding invoice for the project from $177,289.24 to $119,000. The city had previously contributed $250,000 toward the project, including $119,231 in transient lodging tax funds and $130,769 in water and sewer connection fee waivers. City staff recommended approving the additional reduction. ### **Other business** Public Works Director Kyle Carpenter also updated the council on the completion of the Second Street paving project near La Grande High School. Carpenter said crews encountered several challenges during the project, including procurement problems and the reconstruction of a main line. He said some motorists also moved or drove around construction barriers and drove onto freshly paved asphalt before the street had reopened. “Those are future potholes,” Carpenter said. In other business, the council unanimously adopted a formal policy governing audiovisual assistance during public comment. Councilors also approved the annexation of 303 S. 20th St. at the property owner's request. The council also authorized the city's Public Works Department to seek $500,000 in grants from the Oregon Regional Infrastructure Fund. The proposed funding would be used for a new well and a shovel-ready housing development project.