The Truth About Eugene’s “Fire Fee”: What You’re Really Paying For

If you’ve heard about the new $10 million “fire fee” passed by the Eugene City Council earlier this year, you might be wondering: What exactly is this? Is the fire department getting new trucks? Are we hiring more firefighters? And why is it showing up on my EWEB bill?

Let’s break it all down—because the answers might surprise you.

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What Is the Fire Fee?

In February, the Eugene City Council approved a new $10 million annual fee, pitched as a way to support the Eugene Springfield Fire Department. But here’s the catch: the fee won’t directly increase funding for fire services.

Instead, the fee is being used to offset what the fire department already receives from the city’s general fund. That money—previously going to fire—is now being redirected to plug a massive budget hole of at least $11.5 million.

In other words: You’re not paying for more fire coverage. You’re helping the city avoid cutting services like parks, libraries, homelessness support, and other essential programs.

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Why People Are Confused

The name “fire fee” makes it sound like you’re investing directly in fire safety. But that’s not really the case.

This is more of a fiscal shuffle than a service upgrade. The city needs money to maintain current service levels across the board, and rather than raise property taxes (which would require a public vote), this fee was something the council could implement on its own.

Understandably, many residents feel misled. It’s technically legal—but the optics are rough.

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How Will It Show Up On Your Bill?

One of the more surprising parts? This fee will be collected through your EWEB (Eugene Water & Electric Board) bill, even though it’s a City of Eugene charge.

Here’s what to expect:

• You’ll see a new line item, likely labeled something like “City of Eugene Fire Service Fee.”

• It will be separate from your water, electric, stormwater, and wastewater charges.

• The fee amount is expected to be around $15–$20 per month for single-family homes.

• Multi-family units and commercial customers will pay different rates, based on size and usage.

The city is using EWEB for this fee because it already has billing infrastructure tied to every household and business. It’s convenient—but confusing.

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Where’s the Money Going?

So, to be crystal clear: this fee will not fund new firefighters, new stations, or faster emergency response.

Instead, it:

• Frees up general fund dollars that were already going to the fire department

• Lets the city redirect that money to other struggling areas of the budget

• Helps avoid painful cuts to essential services like public safety, libraries, and social programs

It’s essentially a way to balance the city’s books without laying off staff or slashing programs. But it’s also a bit of a political workaround—because a general tax increase would’ve required public approval.

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Public Input and What’s Next

The fire fee is just one piece of the puzzle. City Manager Sarah Medary will present the full proposed budget to the council and Budget Committee on April 30, and residents will have the chance to weigh in during public comment sessions on May 14, 21, and 28.

Final budget adoption is expected on June 23, and it will take effect July 1.

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The Bottom Line

This fee may be called a “fire fee,” but don’t be fooled—it’s really a general fund recovery fee in disguise. It’s meant to keep the city’s core services intact during a tough financial year, not to expand fire services. And for better or worse, you’ll start seeing it on your EWEB bill very soon.

The city is in a tough spot—and while this fee might help in the short term, it’s raised big questions about transparency, fairness, and how Eugene funds the services we all rely on.

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Want to share your thoughts or frustrations with the fire fee? Public comment is your chance. Or, if you just want to keep neighbors in the loop, feel free to share this post.