City Council honored two officers, and discussed a proposed tax abatement for non-profit housing and preparations for upcoming city town hall meetings regarding a proposed $18 utility fee during the Sept. 11 meeting.
Council first began the session with a moment of silence in remembrance of the Sept. 11 (2001) terrorist attacks. Council member Michelle Steinhebel, filling in for absent Mayor Kenneth Jackola, concluded the remembrance by saying, “May we never forget.” Following that, the council presented Medal of Valor citations to two police officers.

Officers Honored
Medal of Valor citations were given to officers John Trahan and Travis Boshart for their actions during a house fire on Aug. 22. In the middle of the night, the officers responded to the scene of a fully engulfed home. Amid thick black smoke, they heard a resident calling for help as they approached the structure.
Risking their lives, both officers entered the home and Officer Trahan crawled on his hands and knees through the burning home to locate the trapped individual. Officer Trahan found the resident and Officer Boshart led them all to safety. The officers were met with a standing ovation during the presentation as Police Chief Frank Stevenson commended their bravery.
“Both officers put their own lives on the line as the situation demanded immediate action,” Chief Stevenson said. “Without their act of courageousness and heroism, this Lebanon community member could have experienced a significant tragedy including loss of life. “I’d like to also thank their family, friends, loved ones for all of their support and love that they show them. If it wasn’t for their love they show them…if it wasn’t for their support it might be a different story.”
Public Comments Raise Safety and Policing Concerns
During a time for public comments, a Lebanon resident recounted a traumatic incident where she was struck by a truck driven by a man with a suspended license, no insurance and a vehicle not registered in his name. The accident left her with $300,000 in medical bills and an enclosed deglovement injury, tearing the skin from her muscle. She expressed frustration over the lack of legal consequences for the driver and criticized local police for not addressing drug activity at the Queen Anne Apartments.
The police chief responded, stating he would follow up with the complainant personally.
A Ward 3 resident also voiced concerns, specifically regarding the lack of baseball games at the park near Gillott Dog Park. She criticized the growing homeless encampment in the area, stating that its presence and use of public restrooms and picnic tables were discouraging families from visiting and the reason why the baseball games were limited. She called for a stronger police response and proposed the establishment of an Office of Police Accountability while praising her ward’s city councilor, Jeremy Salvage.
Affordable Housing Tax Exemption
The council discussed a potential tax exemption for nonprofit affordable housing projects. Council member KJ Ullfers excused himself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest, as he runs a nonprofit that could benefit from the exemption.
The discussion was previously postponed until after the budget season to better assess the city’s financial situation. A staff report presented various tax abatement programs and their impact, estimating that the exemption would cost the city around $12,000 if the qualifying properties participated.
Currently, only three properties in Lebanon qualify, though more may in the future. Council members noted that, unlike federal resident-based tax programs, this local exemption would be property-based and limited to nonprofit organizations. Albany is the only other city in Oregon with a similar program.
Michael Couch, executive director at Crossroads Community Management, spoke on his experience with housing and different programs that support housing while giving examples and differences of the types of programs. He explained how such a program could benefit the community.
“By providing housing, we reduce the strain on police, mental health and medical services. The cost savings to the city outweigh the loss in property taxes,” Couch said.
The council asked questions of Couch and Community Development Director Kelly Hart, who created a staff report on this issue, about who could apply for this program and the potential financial impact for the city. Steinhebel requested Hart move forward with drafting an ordinance on the issue for a future vote.
Town Hall Meetings on Proposed General Fund Fee
The council discussed upcoming town hall meetings that are set for Oct. 10 and 15, where residents are invited to ask questions about a newly proposed $18 General Fund fee. The fee, which would be added to utility bills, is intended to support city services. The meetings, which are set to be held at the public library, will give residents a chance to speak with city staff and council members about the proposal. The city is preparing for the meetings by anticipating common questions and ensuring they have answers readily available.
City Manager Department Reports
City Manager Ron Whitlatch provided department reports, noting that recent strategic action plan focus groups were well attended. The groups covered topics such as community safety, infrastructure, cultural initiatives, fiscal responsibility and communication. A total of 54 individuals completed a survey, with results expected soon.
Whitlatch also highlighted the city’s 9/11 ceremony held earlier in the day. He added that the police chief will soon provide an update on changes to Measure 110. Additionally, the city’s lobbyist will participate in Legislative Days, with 27 meetings scheduled during that time.