UPDATE: Umatilla has officially broken ground on a new $19.8 million police station as of March 3, 2023, marking a significant step toward enhancing public safety in the community. This groundbreaking ceremony comes just four months after local voters approved the necessary bond measure, affirming their commitment to improved law enforcement facilities.
During the ceremony, Mayor Caden Sipe emphasized the importance of this moment, stating, “Today is more than the start of construction. It’s the beginning of keeping a promise of public safety.” The new station, set to span 14,000 square feet, will be located on Sixth Street (Highway 730) between C and D streets, directly replacing the outdated mobile home currently in use, which has served the city for over 40 years.
The current facility has been criticized for being insufficient for modern policing needs, and the new design aims to rectify that. Architect David Linton from McKenzie noted that the new station will be “right-sized for today and well into the future,” providing essential spaces for private meetings with victims and witnesses, secure suspect interviews, and the storage of evidence and records. The facility will also feature a public community room and off-street parking—improvements that are desperately needed.
“This is truly an exciting moment for this community,” said Police Chief Ronald Bridge. He highlighted the inadequacies of the existing station and the positive changes the new facility will bring, further expressing gratitude for former Police Chief Darla Huxel’s contributions to the project.
The decision to move forward with the new police station follows a previous bond measure that was rejected by voters in May 2025. However, after introducing the Public Safety Center Credit—which offsets costs for residential taxpayers and is funded largely by local corporations like Amazon Web Services and Sabey—the city successfully passed the new bond measure with a vote of 54% to 46% in November. City Manager Dave Stockdale noted that for every $1 paid by local residents, corporations will contribute $14.50, significantly reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
As construction begins, the city plans to demolish the old police department building upon completion of the new station, transforming the site into additional public parking. Umatilla officials anticipate that the new police station will be operational by the summer of 2027, paving the way for a more effective and modern law enforcement environment.
This initiative not only represents a commitment to public safety but also reflects the community’s dedication to providing its police force with the resources necessary to serve effectively. As Umatilla embarks on this transformative project, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents.
