#StHelensBudget
LightNews LightNews
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Residents of Saint Helens are demanding a budget overhaul after 85.91% rejected a proposed $24 fee, citing mistrust in city financial management and calling for significant cuts to the police budget.

Read the full story

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CivicAccountability #StHelensBudget
Residents urge council to prepare budget for current revenues after $24 fee defeat
During the May 20 work session, multiple Saint Helens residents told the council the recently defeated $24 water fee signaled mistrust and urged officials to base the budget on current revenues, consider deep police-budget cuts and improve transparency around proposed future ballot measures.
citizenportal.ai
May 23, 2026 at 8:24 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
St. Helens faces a critical decision in May that could mean a $24 fee to preserve essential services or significant cuts—what will you choose?

Get the details

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CommunityDevelopment #FiscalTransparency #PublicSafety #StHelensBudget
St. Helens leaders explain budget squeeze and send $24 general-services fee to May ballot
City officials laid out a strained general fund — $12.3 million of a roughly $92 million total budget — and said a $24 general-services fee will go to voters in May; officials tied potential service cuts, furloughs and long-term capital projects to whether the fee passes.
citizenportal.ai
April 12, 2026 at 7:01 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Residents of St. Helens are raising alarms over proposed water rate hikes and budget transparency, fearing the financial burden could lead to increased homelessness in their community.

Click to read more!

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #FinancialTransparency #StHelensBudget #CommunityAccountability
Saint Helens residents criticize council's water fee increases and budget discrepancies
Residents express concerns about rising water fees and fiscal mismanagement by Saint Helens council.
citizenportal.ai
May 31, 2025 at 8:26 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
City officials in St. Helens are facing tough choices between employee compensation and crucial service fees that could affect the community's trust.

Click to read more!

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #EmployeeCompensation #CommunityEngagement #StHelensBudget #FiscalResponsibility
City Council debates fee increases and cost-of-living adjustments for next budget
Council members discuss revenue sources and employee compensation adjustments for the upcoming budget.
citizenportal.ai
May 31, 2025 at 8:25 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
As budget cuts loom over St. Helens, citizens are urging council members to eliminate their stipends to protect vital city services like the library.

Click to read more!

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #InfrastructurePlanning #StHelensBudget #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityAccountability
Saint Helens Council Members Urged to Cut Stipends Amid Budget Concerns
Citizens demand councilors eliminate stipends to help maintain essential city services.
citizenportal.ai
May 31, 2025 at 8:22 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
As St. Helens faces tough financial decisions amidst a growing budget crisis, residents could soon see an increase in water bills and cuts to essential services.

Get the details!

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicSafety #StHelensBudget #FiscalResponsibility
Portland Council discusses $93M budget shortfall and potential cuts
Council members explore budget cuts amid funding shortfalls impacting public services.
citizenportal.ai
May 17, 2025 at 9:56 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
The Budget Committee in St. Helens is wrestling with tough decisions on police funding and community services, leaving residents anxious about their safety and city priorities.

Click to read more!

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicSafety #StHelensBudget #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityServices
City budget committee debates police service fee and staffing concerns
Committee discusses police budget amidst community concerns about maintaining 24-hour coverage.
citizenportal.ai
May 17, 2025 at 8:47 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
St. Helens faces a financial crossroads as a proposed $42 water bill increase stirs public outrage amid pressing concerns over timber management and public safety funding.

Learn more here

#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #StHelensBudget #TimberManagement
St. Helens council debates $42 water bill increase amid public safety concerns
Council discusses budget issues and potential property sales to improve public services.
citizenportal.ai
May 17, 2025 at 8:43 AM