The Keizer City Council will consider a recommendation on Monday to increase the monthly utility fee on Keizer properties that helps pay for police services.

The council also will decide whether to send the increase to the ballot for Keizer voters to weigh in.

The actions come after months of work by councilors and city officials evaluating policing costs and Keizer’s public safety needs.

City Manager Adam Brown is proposing the city increase the fee for Keizer homes and small businesses to $12.65 a month, up from the current $6.90 a month.

Larger business properties that had been paying the same as a homeowner would see a significant jump. Target at Keizer Station, for example, would see its monthly police fee go to an estimated $3,275 a month.

READ IT: City manager’s fee recommendation

City officials are eager to hear Monday what citizens think of their plans.

Brown said councilors could benefit from hearing community sentiment about current police services and will property owners are willing to pay more to maintain that. He also said citizens could share their views shifting more of the police costs to businesses and whether any fee increase should be put before voters first.

Citizens can submit a statement in writing by 5 p.m. Monday at the Keizer Civic Center or by email to City Recorder Melissa Bisset ([email protected]). Citizens also can address the council directly at Monday’s meeting in the public comment section.

The city has established a new web page with background on police costs and services.

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Keizer businesses would see jump in police fees under city plan

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