By the Toledo Tribune
Well, it’s been a brisk February here in Toledo, Oregon—the kind of cold that doesn’t just nip at your nose but gives it a firm, icy bite. A light dusting of snow has transformed our familiar streets into slick ribbons, forcing us to slow down and tread carefully. It’s in these moments of winter’s insistence that we find pause—a pause that invites us to look around and question not only the world outside but the paths we choose within our own lives.
Much like a long hike through the rugged Oregon trails, our journey is filled with purposeful strides. We set out with our backpacks laden with the essentials of our daily routines: our jobs, relationships, and personal commitments. Yet as we press on—step by deliberate step—we sometimes forget to stop, catch our breath, and take in the panorama. And in that pause, a quiet reflection emerges: Are we still on the right track? Is our work fulfilling, or might there be a path better suited to our passions? Are our relationships nourished by the rhythms of love, or could a simple date night or a renewed commitment to listening rekindle what feels worn?
Sometimes, change is as unwelcome as a sudden gust on an already exhausting climb. We claw and scream to maintain the status quo, even when the load in our pack has grown unbearably heavy. Just as an unbalanced pack eventually drags us down the trail, so too can outdated practices and policies weigh down our community. And here in Toledo, change is knocking at the door of our city government.
Consider our fire department—a courageous, dedicated crew that has long served our community with honor. Yet, even heroes face challenges when choices are made carelessly. Recent council decisions, akin to checking a dynamite shed with a flaming torch, have stirred consequences. In light of these events, the East Lincoln County Fire Department has declared its intent to become independent from the city, and our police and fire dispatch services are in the process of moving to the Willamette Valley Communications Center (WVCC).
In the spirit of being a friendly, experienced hiker offering a well-timed word of advice, I present to you, dear reader, with a proposal for enhanced law enforcement and public safety services in Toledo—a proposal built on the premise that sometimes a well-timed rest, a thoughtful repacking, and a willingness to embrace change can lead to a safer, more balanced journey ahead.
Proposal for Enhanced Law Enforcement and Public Safety Services for Toledo, Oregon
Overview:
This proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to enhance public safety in Toledo by providing dedicated dispatch services, patrol deputy coverage, a detective unit, and a Community Service Officer. The goal is to ensure reliable, responsive, and effective law enforcement while fostering community engagement and operational excellence within a balanced budget.
Budget Breakdown and Services:
1. Dispatch Services
• Provider: Willamette Valley Communications Center (WVCC)
• Annual Cost: $150,000
• Service Details: WVCC will provide dispatch services for approximately 2,000 police and fire calls annually, ensuring reliable communication and coordination for emergency response.
What Influences the Cost?
• Dispatch Center Rates: Fees may include administrative costs or equipment usage.
• Service Agreements: Costs are negotiated based on call volume, CAD screen usage, and agency size.
• Allocation: Some agencies split costs between fire and police based on usage percentages.
Example Calculations:
• At $5 per screen: $5 × 1,000 screens = $35,000 annually
• At $25 per screen: $25 × 1,000 screens = $175,000 annually
2. Patrol Deputy Coverage
• Provider: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
• Annual Cost: $384,000
• Service Details:
• Contract two dedicated patrol deputies for Toledo.
• Deputies will provide a consistent law enforcement presence and promptly respond to calls within city limits.
• Cases will be referred to Toledo Police Department detectives for follow-up investigations.
Supportive Data:
• Waldport City Council has continued its two-deputy contract at $384,000 annually.
3. Toledo Police Department – Detective Unit
• Staffing: Two full-time detectives, with one serving as the Sergeant
• Salary Options:
• CareerExplorer reports an average annual salary of approximately $100,330 (range: $61,210–$143,400).
• Glassdoor estimates a total pay of $97,462 per year, with an average base salary of $83,760.
• Indeed lists an average salary of $73,257 per year (based on 14 reported salaries as of December 29, 2024).
• ZipRecruiter indicates an average annual salary of $65,451 as of January 2025.
• Annual Salaries:
• Detective 1: $80,000
• Sergeant (Detective 2): $90,000
• Total Salaries: $170,000
• Benefits:
• Detective 1: $80,000 × 35% = $28,000
• Sergeant: $90,000 × 35% = $31,500
• Total Benefits: $229,500
• Combined Total: $399,500
4. Vehicle Costs and Equipment
• Annual Budget: $100,000
• Covers technology upgrades, maintenance, and necessary equipment for law enforcement operations.
5. Community Service Officer/
• Annual Salary: $60,000
• Benefits: $60,000 × 35% = $21,000
• Total: $81,000
• Supervised by: Sergeant
Total Proposed Budget:
• Dispatch Services: $150,000
• Patrol Deputies: $384,000
• Detective Unit: $399,500
• Vehicle Costs and Equipment: $100,000
• Community Service Officer: $81,000
Grand Total: $1,114,500
Remaining Budget:
• Current Budget: $2,307,700
• Total Proposed: $1,114,500
• Remaining Balance: $1,193,200
Operational Benefits:
1. Enhanced Emergency Response: Reliable dispatch, dedicated patrol deputies, and detectives ensure timely and effective public safety services.
2. Exhaustive Investigations: A dedicated detective unit will shift from merely documenting calls to solving underlying issues and deterring crime through thorough investigations. “The Pinkerton Effect”
3. Collaboration and Innovation: Detectives will collaborate to establish best practices and leverage their professional intuition for case resolutions.
4. Broader Community Impact: Strengthened law enforcement within Toledo and the broader Lincoln County will enhance safety and justice for residents and businesses.
5. Community Engagement: The Community Service Officer will focus on outreach, code enforcement, and building positive relationships with residents under the supervision of the Sergeant.
6. Current employees will be absorbed into the Sheriff’s Office, except the current sergeant and detective who will remain city employees.
Much like adjusting a heavy pack on a long hike, this proposal aims to lighten the burdens that have accumulated over time—both for our community and its governing systems. In reflecting on our own lives, whether it’s reconsidering the path of our careers or the rhythm of our relationships, we come to understand that change, though often difficult and resisted, is necessary.
Just as an unbalanced pack eventually hinders a hiker’s progress, outdated policies and practices weigh down our city, demanding thoughtful and timely adjustments.
As we move forward, let us take this moment to reflect on our personal and collective journeys. Whether it’s a much-needed date night or a comprehensive overhaul of public safety services, the time to recalibrate is now.
The path ahead promises not only a safer and more responsive community but also the possibility of a more fulfilling journey for us all.
Change is coming, and with it, a renewed commitment to balancing our loads—on the trail of life and in the corridors of city government.
Thoughts?
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