Cost of Umatilla County dispatch services is going up
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office has notified the agencies that use its emergency dispatch services that rates will rise for the 2026-27 fiscal year. In the past, agencies have complained about receiving rate hike notices too close to the end of the fiscal year. The early release gives them more time to work on funding.
Emergency dispatch serves the majority of police departments and fire and emergency medical service agencies in Umatilla County. Due to the number of calls, police departments pay more than fire and EMS agencies.
The proposed new rate for the Hermiston Police Department is the highest. It’s set at $535,780, an increase of $30,327. The Pendleton Police Department would see an increase of $25,652 to $453,185. UCSO is proposing the Umatilla Police Department pay $203,523, which is $11,570 more. Other departments – Stanfield, Echo, and Pilot Rock – would also see increases.
Of the fire and EMS agencies, Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 pays the most. The proposed budget for UCFD1 is $190,760. Pendleton Fire & Ambulance would pay $123,075. Umatilla Fire Department would pay $15,416. Other departments paying much less are Echo, Pilot Rock, and East Umatilla Fire & Rescue.
