VisitCarlton

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Carlton Police Department does not have holding cells or jail space. Instead, the department is designed to support modern policing requirements with secure, up-to-date facilities for evidence storage, processing, and investigations.

This approach reflects Carlton PD’s community policing focus—prioritizing efficiency, accountability, and collaboration with county and regional partners. It allows officers to focus their time and resources on what matters most: community safety, response, and prevention.

The Civic Center is being funded through a method called a Full Faith and Credit (FF&C) Obligation, not through a General Obligation (GO) bond. But what does that mean?

Instead of raising property taxes, the City is using money it already collects—like general funds, and water and wastewater fees—to make the loan payments on the building. This allows us to pay for the project without adding a new charge to your property tax bill.

This financing option is allowed under Oregon law and helps the City stay within its existing tax limits, while still moving forward on important community needs.

In 2018, the City asked voters to approve a GO bond to help fund the public safety portion of the Civic Center. The measure did not pass—not because the community opposed the idea of a new building, but because of concerns about raising property taxes to fund it. In response, the City pursued a different approach to financing the project that aligned with community feedback—moving forward without increasing property taxes.

For more details on financing, including timelines and interest rates, see the: City Budget Document, pg. 98

The Civic Center project was completed on budget, thanks to careful planning and cost management. During construction, minor adjustments and value engineering—totaling less than 2% of the original bid—were made to improve efficiency and reduce long-term costs. These proactive decisions helped the City avoid more expensive retrofits in the future while keeping the project within its original financial scope.

Donations play a meaningful role in bringing the Civic Center to life. While the core construction is funded through planned financing, community contributions help enhance the building in ways that directly benefit the public—such as:

  • Comfortable meeting furnishings
  • Upgraded technology and equipment
  • Additional amenities in the Community Room

These generous gifts help reduce the overall cost of the project and limit the need for additional City debt, ensuring more value is delivered to the community. Every donation—large or small—makes a lasting impact and reflects the spirit of collaboration that defines Carlton.

From the K&L Gates presentation at the November 2022 Council Meeting Full Faith & Credit Obligations (FF&Cs):

  • Cities are authorized to issue by ORS Sections 287A.315, 271.390, and 287A.300. 

  • FF&C Obligations pledge general revenue and taxing power of the Issuer within the limits of the Article XI, Section 11

     

General Obligation (GO) Bonds

  • Cities authorized to issue by Article XI, Section 11 and 11b of State Constitution and ORS Chapter 287A
  • Bonds pledge unconditionally to pay; all of its unrestricted resources; including an unlimited property tax of the City

The Community Room is a versatile, multi-use space designed to serve a wide range of community needs. It can be rented for events such as:

  • Yoga and fitness classes
  • Book clubs and hobby groups
  • Birthday parties and celebrations
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) meetings
  • Business and regional meetings
  • Public forums and community meetings
  • Trainings and workshops

In addition to everyday use, the room also functions as a space for emergency operations and official City meetings. Thanks to a built-in room divider, the space can accommodate multiple events or functions at the same time, maximizing flexibility and accessibility for the community.

Visitors have several convenient parking options:

  • Off-street parking is available behind and alongside the Civic Center on the west and north sides of the building. This area includes designated ADA-accessible spaces for individuals with disabilities.
  • On-street parking is available along Main Street and North 1st Street, just steps from the main entrance.

The conversation about replacing Carlton’s aging city facilities began as early as 2003—and for good reason. The former City Hall and Police buildings were not only outdated, but posed significant risks to public health, safety, and operational efficiency. They contained hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint, had underground petroleum tanks, and relied on aging mechanical systems well past their useful life.

Beyond environmental and structural concerns, the facilities failed to meet basic accessibility and safety standards. They were not ADA compliant, offered no seismic protection in the event of an earthquake, and lacked the space or infrastructure to support the needs of a growing community and the number of staff required to provide services to the community. Further, the buildings also had no backup generator, meaning neither the buildings or staff could serve the community in the event of a major emergency or power outage—precisely when a City facility should function as a hub for public safety and coordination.

Recognizing these challenges, the City adopted a long-term plan in 2012 to invest in a new Civic Center—designed to ensure safe, modern, and efficient operations for decades to come. The goal was clear: build a facility that strengthens public safety, improves accessibility for all residents, provides the capacity needed for Carlton’s continued growth, and serves as a gathering space for the community through the inclusion of a 1,600-square-foot community room.

The Civic Center is more than a building—it’s a foundation for the future of our community.

The Grand Opening took place before the final “punch list”—a standard list of final construction tasks and touch-ups—was fully completed. This is common with large projects, and all remaining items are actively being addressed to ensure the building meets final quality standards.

The new Civic Center was thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of Carlton’s staff, residents, and emergency services for the next 30 years. By consolidating city administration and public safety functions into one modern, energy-efficient facility, the City is reducing long-term maintenance costs while increasing accessibility, safety, and community benefit.

Key Features Include:

  • A spacious 1,600 sq. ft. Community Room for public events, civic meetings, and gatherings—creating a dedicated space for connection and collaboration.
  • Fully ADA-compliant access to ensure inclusivity for all community members.
  • Public restrooms and a welcoming lobby with seating for visitors and residents.
  • Emergency operations space and backup power, enabling the building to function as a coordination hub during emergencies.
  • Dedicated meeting rooms and collaborative staff workspaces designed for flexibility and efficiency.
  • Upgraded security and life safety systems that meet today’s public safety standards.
  • Architectural details that honor Carlton’s heritage, incorporating brickwork and design elements inspired by the city’s historic downtown.

This Civic Center is an investment in the health, safety, and vibrancy of our community for decades to come.

Yes. The Civic Center includes two electric vehicle (EV) chargers, installed to support sustainable transportation and future-ready infrastructure. These chargers were made possible through grant funding from Portland General Electric (PGE) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)—at no direct cost to local taxpayers.

Yes. Since 2012, the City has been proactively setting aside money in a dedicated reserve fund for the Civic Center. These savings came from annual contributions by three departments: the General Fund, Water, and Sewer. By the time the project required financing, over $1 million had already been saved.

This reserve fund was also used to cover early expenses related to the development of the new Civic Center, including architectural design, engineering studies, and necessary repairs to the old building while planning was underway. Additional support has come through community donations and grant funding, helping to further reduce the burden on local resources.

The City’s annual payment for the Civic Center is $683,444.90, made once per year. The first payment was funded using interest earned from the City’s Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) a savings and investment tool used by local governments in Oregon.  

This is further detailed on page 99 of the FY24 City budget document here: https://www.ci.carlton.or.us/media/9596. 

Page 98 of the budget also has a chart of all City Debt services, excluding the Pool GO Bond which is located on page 96 & 97 of the budget document.

 

At the May 15, 2018 election, 745 out of 1505 registered voters submitted ballots. 40% of voters voted yes on Measure 36-192 and 60% no. https://www.yamhillcounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2313/May-15th-Primary-Election-Election-Results-PDF?bidId= 

The Council heard the Community express their desire to avoid an additional line item on their tax bill and that the City operate within its existing tax limits.

The City Council had been discussing the need for a new building(s) since 2003. Starting on page 173 of the July 2021 agenda packet the history, expenses, options, Geotech reports, ice storm report and more are detailed here: https://www.ci.carlton.or.us/media/3781 

In addition to the costs outlined in the document prior to 2012, the document outlines the almost $700,000 in costs since the Council decided an expansion was needed and a funding plan was created in 2012.

Discussed are the repairs needed to City Hall to make the building safe for ADA access (limiting the claims that had previously been filed against and paid by the City), mechanical systems, and roofing.  Seismic sustainability, emergency preparedness, and space for future staff growth, as the City grows, are discussed.

While suspected, construction confirmed that the old buildings:

  • Had Asbestos in the walls, pipes, ceilings, floors, window caulking, interior paint, and roofing
  • Had Lead in the outside paint
  • Had PCB, Mercury, and other regulated materials in almost 200 fixtures.

Construction also revealed underground petroleum storage tanks (primarily under the Council room) that we were able to clean up the soil and site.

Staff had no room to expand.  Any additional staff would have required “bunk” desks to have the capacity for additional services for the community.