-Topics-

• Work Session
  • Attendance
  • Leadership Dallas
• City Council
  • Attendance
  • Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
    • Public Works Employee Introduction
  • Public comment
  • Consent agenda
  • Mayor and Council reports
  • City Manager report
    • Republic Services Mid-Year Rate Review
    • City Charter Review
    • City Manager’s Cost of Living Adjustment
    • Enterprise Zone School Support Fee
    • Pine Street Grant Award
  • Ordinances
    • No. 1923 – Open Burn Registration
  • Resolutions
    • No. 3568 – Adopting the City of Dallas Fee Schedule
  • More information

-Work Session-

Attendance

Present: Mayor Slack, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey

Absent: Council President Briggs

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Leadership Dallas

The 4th year of graduates from Leadership Dallas have completed their 8 month long program. 7 graduates shared their experiences with the Council.

The group met on the 2nd Thursday of every month since Oct. 2025 to learn how the city works. Each month focused on topics including marketing and networking, education, social services, public safety, and economic development. Some activities included meeting local and state elected officials in person and touring non-profits in the city.

Tara Townley from the Dallas Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) introduced the graduates. This was the 1st year the Chamber took over the program from the city. Townley shared the Chamber is looking at expanding the program to all of Polk County in the future.

Last year’s graduates helped plan this year’s program. That continued participation is a crucial part of the program to help leadership opportunities continue after the program ends.

As part of the experience, each person chose a local non-profit. They volunteered with the non-profit during the program and learned more about what they do.

• Non-Profits Chosen by Leadership Dallas Graduates
  • Sable House
    • Mission: “To increase the safety of domestic and sexual violence victims in Polk County through crisis intervention and community education services.”
  • Early Learning Hub
    • Mission: “We are committed to helping children and families thrive through parent education, childhood early learning, and family health and safety”
  • The Reading Nest
    • Mission: “The Reading Nest is a free mobile book service that brings stories, smiles, and connection right into our community.”
  • Acres of Hope
    • Mission: “Acres of Hope is a youth ranch with a mission to share HOPE (Healing, Opportunity, Purpose, Education) with adolescents that are feeling HURT (Harmed, Unseen, Rejected, Traumatized).”
  • James2 Community Kitchen
    • About: “James 2 Community Kitchen in Dallas serves a free, drive through take out meal each Thursday at Dallas United Methodist Church. 4:30 to 6pm”
  • Community Mediation Services of Polk County
    • Mission: “Our mission is to assist people to make things right through mediated dialogues and training in conflict resolution.”
  • Dallas Community High School
    • About: “A place for non-traditional learning. A Focus on Deeper Learning”

Mission Statements and Abouts sourced from non-profit websites.

Councilor Shein asked the graduates what the most surprising thing was they learned through the program.

One graduate was surprised to learn how nice and humane the jail facility is. Also mentioned the evening spent with the non-profit group Christmas Cheer and described it as breathtaking.

Another graduate spoke about joy from winning the Discover Dallas Dash competition. This drew participates into local Dallas stores while exploring downtown.

The large number of non-profits in the city surprised another graduate, with many services available free for use.

A variety of educational services was important to learn about for a different graduate who had a 2.5 year old.

Land development processes shocked another graduate who learned more about local government during the process. The graduate also mentioned learning about a shuttle that cost the city $150,000 and was never used. City Manager Latta shared the number was less than $150,000 and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) refunded the city, since no one used it. The ODOT refund got an applause from the audience.

Mayor Slack then presented each graduate a life size street sign with their name on it.

What happened? No official action took place. Graduates from this year’s Leadership Dallas program shared their experience with the Council.

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-City Council-

Attendance

Present: Mayor Slack, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey

Absent: Council President Briggs

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Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations

Public Works Employee Introduction

Jennifer Ward, Public Works Director for the City of Dallas introduced Brandon, a new Facilities Foreman from Spokane, WA.

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Public Comment

• President of Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center
  • Was asked during previous podcast interview what the next project will be
    • Answered, “whatever breaks next”
      • Heat exchange for therapy pool got clogged up
        • 2nd time getting it cleared
      • Spa is now leaking
    • Money for the fixes are there
      • Moonfall Theater fundraiser last Saturday
        • Got $805 dollars from the event
        • Described as a great show
  • Added side note
    • Garbage rates are higher in Monmouth and Independence because of a different service provide.

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Consent Agenda

None.

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Mayor and Council Reports

None.

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City Manager report

Republic Services Mid-Year Rate Review

After voting against a garbage rate increase at the beginning of 2026, the City Council approved a less than requested increase of 5%. Sarah Steen and other representatives from Republic Services (Republic) were present for discussion with the Council.

Background: In their Feb. 2 meeting, the City Council voted a unanimous “no” to Republic’s annual rate increase. Republic requested a 3% rate increase at the time. Though the Council voted no, they agreed to re-visit the topic in 6 months.

• What would a 3% rate increase have looked like?
  • per month increase for residential customers
    • $0.79 – 20 gallon cart
    • $0.84 – 32 gallon cart
    • $1.07 – 64 gallon cart
    • $1.30 – 90 gallon cart
  • from the Feb 2, 2026 council agenda

Steen stated Republic was now requesting a 10% garbage rate increase. According to a May 2026 letter from Republic, the large increase is said to make up for the 6 months of cost increases not captured at the beginning of the year plus rising fuel and operational costs.

In that same letter to the City Council, Republic said, “Moving forward, we strongly recommend transitioning to a more standard refuse rate adjustment approach—small, steady increases on a regular basis. This method is widely used across the industry and is generally better received by customers than larger, less frequent increases.” (council agenda, pg. 4)

Steen gave an example of what a 10% increase would look like on a 20 gallon garbage cart.

• 10% rate increase
  • 20 gallon cart
    • 10% increase = $2.21 per month
    • $22.14 – now
    • $24.34 – after

Republic provided a Schedule of Direct Expenses (council agenda pg. 6) and a Statement of Income (council agenda pg. 5) to the Council. Expenses show a 2025 average increase of 3% in operation costs and 3% increase in Sales, General, and Administrative expenses.

The Income Statement shows a 24.3% increase in Net Income from 2025 to 2026’s estimated numbers. In 2025, Republic saw a net profit margin of 8.2%. For example, Republic’s take home profit was 8.2 cents on every dollar. A proposed 10% rate increase would raise that to 9.7 cents of every dollar in 2026.

Councilor Holsapple asked about the increase in take home profit and if it was prorated for the whole year or just the proposed increase to the end of the year. Kevin Planalp, the Finance Manager at Republic answered. The 9.7% margin is the target they would return to, with the increased 10% rate. Planalp said fuel costs have not been planned for in their margin yet.

Councilor Barrientos asked when was the last time Republic had requested a 10% increase to rates in such a short period of time. Planalp could not recall an increase that large in Dallas but said Grants Pass experienced a double digit increase 2 years ago.

Barrientos followed up asking if the 10% increase is expected to continue each year. Planalp said no, if regular yearly small increases are maintained. Usually those annual increases will follow inflation rates, around 2.5%, according to Planalp.

Councilor Fitzgerald admitted not understanding the numbers and asked why 3% was requested at the beginning of the year, but now 6 months later it’s 10%. Fitzgerald said that’s triple. Planalp said that is the impact of a delayed price increase. The expenses stayed the same regardless of the Feb. decision to not increase the rate. The rates now have to be higher with only 6 months left of the year to collect the same amount of revenue that would have been collected if the smaller increase started in Feb.

Fitzgerald questioned, if the 3% increase in Feb. had passed, would it have carried Republic through the year. Planalp said yes, it would have returned Republic to their 10% target margin.

Councilor Holsapple wanted to clarify, by law Republic is allowed to maintain a margin of 8-15%. Planalp wasn’t sure of the specific margin language in law but stated Republic uses an acceptable range of 8-12%, with 10% being the average target margin.

City Manager Latta looked up the last 3 years of data and reported in 2023 the net income percent of sales was 12.2%, 2024 was 12.9%, and 2025 shows 8.2%. Increases in the Sales, General, and Administrative expenses were mainly due to management services. Latta asked why that area was 24% higher in 2025 than in 2024. Planalp mentioned additional staffing plus a reorganization that contributed to the increase.

Looking at the cost of operations, Latta pointed out 2 areas that increased. Vehicle operating costs jumped 139% from 2024 to 2025. Since fuel decreased from 2024 to 2025, Latta asked what drove the number up. Planalp said in 2024 natural gas rebates from the federal government stopped. Republic had negative Compressed Natural Gas costs and those rebates, according to Planalp, were passed on to ratepayers. The increase reflects the stop in federal government rebates.

City Manager Latta then asked why insurance costs increased 70%. Planalp said this was due to one of their vehicles rolling over resulting in a total loss of that vehicle. Latta asked if that vehicle serviced Dallas, or if Dallas was paying for regional impact. Planalp stated the vehicle serviced multiple communities, and so the expense is spread across all areas.

While some other expenses dropped this year, like travel and entertainment, Latta wondered what a 3% increase for the remainder of 2026 would do to Republic’s margin. Planalp, using rough math, estimated that would give Republic a .25% margin increase, for a total 8.45% margin in 2026.

City Manager Latta pointed out this still puts Republic within the acceptable range of a 8-12% margin.

Councilor Holsapple said Republic gives good service and has not had any personal issues. However, the Council needs to balance the needs of the public. While everyone else has to manage their budgets, a 10% median profit for Republic is too big of an ask. Holsapple believed 10% was twice as much as what can be afforded. Planalp understood the concern and pointed out that impacts of fuel increases hit Republic more than a household might see.

Councilor Schilling recalled a resident who is canceling service every 2 months on the smallest bin size. Wants to know what to say to residents who have to pay for the fee that aren’t using the service to its fullest. Steen mentioned about 20% of residents in Dallas already downsized their cart sizes, which saves money. However trucks still have to run their regular routes to pick up all residents bins.

Councilor Shein said all residents have had to tighten financial belts. Though Republic has to tighten as well, jumping the rate from 3% to 10% is too much of a leap. Given the volatile environment we live in now, Shein suggested continuing a 6 month review instead of every year.

Councilor Barrientos pointed out Republic wants an increase each year, while some residents go years without an increase. Did not understand why Dallas residents have to pay for a Republic’s vehicle rolling over or Republic’s increase in fuel costs. Planalp stated as a franchise system in Oregon, rate payers are the only source of funding for Republic. Planalp mentioned in addition to the vehicle roll over there were 3 vehicle fires last year as well.

Councilor Shein did not understand why rate payers are the only source of recovery for something like a vehicle roll over or fires, and asked why insurance didn’t cover it. Planalp couldn’t address the policy of replacing lost vehicles due to fire but mentioned additional costs for 3 new trucks.

City Manager Latta recapped what decisions the Council could consider, ranging from no increase, a 3% raise, or anything up to 10%. Latta recommended to the Council some increase, since Republic had not seen a rate increase for 6 months.

Councilor Shein stated not being opposed to an increase, but questioned how much.

Councilor Holsapple pointed to 2023 and 2024 margins both being over 12% and the 2025 margin at just over 8%. Believed a 5% increase was appropriate to get Republic comfortable with costs and to make a profit. Also agreed with Shein’s idea of keeping a 6 month rate review going forward.

Councilor Jantz asked if the addition of weekly pickups for recycling and yard waste increased the expenses over the years. Planalp said rates increased in the 1st quarter of 2024 which offset those costs for the year.

Councilor Spivey asked Holsapple if his recommended 5% increase now would prevent a larger increase next year. Holsapple believed a 5% increase for the next 6 months would get Republic through.

Councilor Shein wondered about splitting the difference of increase between the 3 and 10%, resulting in a 3.5% added to the original 3% requested in Feb. A final 6.5% increase would hopefully offset the rate increase next year. Pointed out whatever decision the Council makes now, will have a direct impact on how much is asked for in the next rate review.

Councilor Schilling admitted to not understanding the high level math. Pointed out that City Manager Latta said a 3% increase would give Republic an 8.5% margin, but the document said a 10% increase would give a 9.7% margin. Schilling recommended a 3% increase for Republic.

Councilor Spivey said the Council’s mission is to keep costs for residents as low as possible, which would result in Republic getting an 8% margin. Republic’s mission is get a 12% margin for the year. Agreed that the Council’s decision will come back and affect the rate requested in Jan 2027, but 3% gives Republic a small increase that is acceptable. Spivey agreed with a 3% increase.

Bret Davis, General Manager for Republic in Western Oregon, said they didn’t want to ask for 10%. Republic followed the request from Council to come back in 6 months and review the financials at that time. Annual changes allow for smaller rate increases each year, instead of infrequent large spikes. Davis asked how Republic and the Council can get on the same page asking for small annual increases so these discussions can be prevented in the future. Republic preferred an annual 3-4% increase instead of putting things off every 6 months.

City Manager Latta appreciated Davis’ comment and suggested maybe adding something to the franchise agreement to put in place an index or agreed increase amount. However, Latta doesn’t think that problem would be solved tonight. Asked the Council to approve a motion for the City Attorney to start working on a resolution.

Councilor Barrientos thought there was a breakdown of communication in 2025 which delayed conversations and a timely answer from the Council. Barrientos said that created a lack of trust. Believed Republic would be happy to get a 6% increase from the Council but wanted to see a 5% increase as a fair amount for everyone.

Davis said the last thing they wanted was to lose trust. Some breakdown in communication came from Republic’s representative’s grandson dying in a car accident and then 6 months later losing a son. Davis hoped the 20 years of service from that representative wouldn’t lose trust. Barrientos admitted to overstating the lack of trust, but said communication was broken.

Councilor Shein agreed with the logic of small annual increases. However in today’s uncertain environment, 6 month reviews made more sense.

Councilor Jantz considered the effects of a 2026 mid-year increase with a potential increase in just another 6 months. Davis said whether it was 3% at the beginning of the year or a larger number 6 months into the year, they both still end with about the same revenue at the end of the year.

Councilor Holsapple said Republic’s financial statements presented earlier in the year showed a different margin than it does now. That new information changed Council’s considerations.

Councilor Spivey made a motion for a 5% increase in garbage rates.

What happened? The Council approved a garbage rate increase of 5% by a 5-3 vote. This topic will come back to the Council in the June 15th meeting as a resolution. The new increase, if approved by resolution, would be effective July 1, 2026.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For:  Councilors Barrientos, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Shein, and Spivey

Against: Councilors Blosser, Jantz, Schilling

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City Charter Review

The City Council took a step towards possible changes to the City Charter. The City Charter details how the city is governed. Think of it like Dallas’ Constitution.

The Public Administration Committee (a standing committee of the Council) has been discussing possible changes to the Charter for a few months. According to the Charter, the last update was in Nov. 2014 after being approved by a vote of Dallas residents.

A review committee was suggested to study proposed changes to the City Charter. The committee would have 7 members: 4 non-elected residents and 3 elected officials. The 4 non-elected members of the committee would need to apply using the city’s committee volunteer application form. All 7 members would then be selected by the Council.

Boost your signal: The Application for the 4 non-resident committee members will be shared as soon as it’s live.

The city plans to host town halls and surveys to get additional input from all residents. However, any final changes would have to be voted on and approved by the residents of Dallas on a ballot. The staff report suggests the 1st possible election for changes to the Charter would be May 2027.

• City Charter changes already suggested:
  • Increasing the Mayor term from 2 to 4 years
  • Restrict who can be elected to office to only US citizens
  • Youth engagement:
    • Lowering the age requirement to be an elected official
    • Lowering age for citywide elections to under 18
  • Review the vacancy in office clause
  • Council quorum minimums
  • City manager residency requirement
  • Change number of City Councilors
  • Restrict elected officials from working for the city
  • Mayor to appoint committee chairs
  • Removing bonding requirement for City Manager
  • Supervision for council-hired positions
  • Remote meeting participation

Councilor Shein said the last review of the Charter was in 2014. Believed it was appropriate to have another review because the last review was mostly cosmetic. For example changes included using gender neutral pronouns and removing hard coded dollar figures that were no longer relevant. This review would look at structural changes to the Charter and how government works.

Councilor Jantz wondered how the Council election in Nov. 2026 might affect participation of Councilors in the Charter Review Committee. City Manager Latta believed the committee recommendations would be given by the end of 2026, so the election results in Nov. wouldn’t affect that process. If time extended past 2026, there could be a vacancy on the Charter Review Committee which the new Council would fill.

What happened? The Council approved the creation of a City Charter Review Committee. Any changes to the Charter would be placed on the ballot by the Council and voted on by Dallas residents.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz , Schilling, Shein, and Spivey

Against: 

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City Manager’s Cost of Living Adjustment

The City Council agreed to increase the City Manager’s salary for 2026 to match the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 3.1%. Emily Gagner, Assistant City Manager, presented this topic to the Council.

Most city staff will receive a 3.1% COLA increase this year, with some getting 3.3%, based on various contracts (some still under negotiation). The staff increases and the City Manager’s increase are already planned for in the upcoming 2026-2027 budget.

Follow the money: The $7,300 annual impact from this COLA increase includes both salary and benefits, according to Gagner.

In June 2025, the City Manager asked to reject that year’s COLA increase of 1.4%. At the time, Council President Briggs called it admirable that the City Manager declined a raise with that year’s tight city budget, and said the Council would keep it in mind in the future.

What happened? The Council approved a 3.1% increase to the City Manager’s salary with all 8 Councilors voting in favor.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz , Schilling, Shein, and Spivey

Against: 

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Enterprise Zone School Support Fee

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Dallas School District will be signed to establish a fee for businesses looking to get tax abatement through an Enterprise Zone. This MOU has no direct impact to Dallas residents.

Economic Development Specialist Tyler Ferrari and Alex Paraskevas, Business Retention and Expansion Manager for Polk County from the Strategic Economic Development Corporation, presented to the Council.

Councilors learned about this topic in a previous March 2026 meeting. The MOU is needed because of the city’s sponsorship of a combined Enterprise Zone that was formed in 2021. The Zone includes the Dallas, Independence, and Monmouth area.

Quick Recap : A new business is moving to Independence. The business wants to use the tax abatement option for years 4 and 5 of the zone. Approval of a MOU regarding a School Support Fee is required by all Enterprise Zone sponsoring agencies. So even though the business isn’t going to be in Dallas, as a sponsoring agency, the City Council still needs to vote on the MOU.

Learn more: Review the Wrap Up Post from the March 2, 2026 meeting explaining more about the School Support Fee and Enterprise Zone.

Paraskevas mentioned the Oregon law, which allows a range of 15-30% for the School Support Fee. Both school districts in the Enterprise Zone (Dallas and Central) previously agreed and passed resolutions for a 15% School Support Fee. The Dallas School Board approved their resolution on Feb 9, 2026.

Councilor Shein asked who all the sponsors are besides the 2 school districts and Dallas. Paraskevas added Monmouth, Independence, and Polk County.

What happened? The Council voted 8-0 to approve the City Manager to sign the MOU with the Dallas School District.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz , Schilling, Shein, and Spivey

Against: 

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Pine Street Grant Award

This was a new topic added during the meeting.

The City Manager shared with the Council that the city got a grant through the Housing Infrastructure Financing Program. This grant will go towards connecting the missing piece of Pine Street, near Gala Park. This street connection will happen with the Polk CDC construction project this summer in that area.

The grant award is for $428,810 which will cover the entire construction of the street and infrastructure going under the street.

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ORDINANCES

No. 1923 – Open Burn Registration

The Council said no to a 2 year open burning registration pilot program designed to learn more about open burns in the city. The City Council had previously discussed this topic during the ordinance’s 1st reading in their last meeting.

The information collected from this program would have helped determine if any future regulations on open burning was needed. The program would have required people to register with the city if they planned to open burn in city limits.

There would have been no enforcement with this program, only the collection of information. Open burning does not include recreational fires, barbecues, or agricultural burning.

The Council’s Public Safety standing committee recommended the program to the Council for approval in their April 2026 meeting.

City Manager Latta noted the discussion in the 1st reading of the ordinance and told the Council that city staff would be ok if this item did not pass.

Councilor Jantz stated intent to vote no. Believed this is just another step for people who are already following the rules. Didn’t believe there was a reason for data collection to try and identify an open burn problem.

Councilor Barrientos believed this was an example of government overreach. Trusted residents to do burning in a safe and prudent manner. Thought government should spend its time doing something more important.

Councilor Schilling recalled this original idea came from the West Ellendale subdivision burn piles incident. City Manager Latta said this program might not have stopped fires like that from happening but it would allow the city to know an open burn was going to happen.

Councilor Holsapple thought this would add extra work to an already burdened Fire & EMS Department. Latta remembered Fire & EMS Chief April Wallace shared the grant for Chemeketa Fire Science Program interns who would help the program. This meant there was capacity for this program.

Councilor Shein didn’t find other arguments persuasive trying to claim this program was government overreach. However, it did feel like it was a program in search of a problem. Shein planned to vote no.

Councilor Blosser stated even Chief Wallace said there wasn’t a problem. Believed there was no need for this overreach.

What happened? The Council voted unanimously against the ordinance for an open burn registration program.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: 

Against: Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz , Schilling, Shein, and Spivey

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RESOLUTIONS

No. 3568 – Adopting the City of Dallas Fee Schedule

Increases to the city fee schedule were approved by the City Council. Most fees will increase by 6%, with building division fees increasing only 3% following the CPI-U Pacific Cities index. Some fees won’t change, like the cost for general daily admission to the Dallas Aquatic Center.

Some fee changes:

Review all the changes in the council agenda, pg. 20-29.

According to the staff report, next year’s fee schedule review will also come with a comparison to other city fee schedules. This was a request made by the Council in their April 2026 meeting.

Follow the money: In 2025, the Council voted to raise most fees by 2.8%.

Councilor Fitzgerald asked if all fees were raised by the same percentage. City Manager Latta confirmed no. Fitzgerald commented it was strange the city was going to increase their fees while not giving Republic Services their full requested increase. Latta shared most fees across the city don’t affect local businesses as much as developers. Fitzgerald added that will make housing more expensive.

What happened? The Council voted 8-0 to approve the proposed fee schedule. The new fees become effective on July 1, 2026, with the Aquatic Center fees taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz , Schilling, Shein, and Spivey

Against: 

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-More Information-

• Work session full agenda
• Work session YouTube video archive
• City Council full agenda
• City Council YouTube video archive

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