Two local measures affecting residents in the western reaches of Jefferson County appeared on the May 19, 2026 primary ballot, with the fire district levy earning a strong vote of support.
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Protection District Levy
Voters in the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District approved Measure 9-182, a levy to fund fire, EMS, and wildfire preparedness staffing, by a margin of 105 Yes to 55 No — roughly a 66 percent approval rate. The measure covered precincts in the Camp Sherman area of Jefferson County.
The levy comes as fire seasons grow longer and more intense across Central Oregon, and as rural communities that rely on volunteer or part-time staffing face increasing demands. Camp Sherman, tucked along the Metolius River near the Cascade Range foothills, is a community heavily dependent on its fire district for both emergency medical response and wildfire preparedness.
Results remain unofficial until certified by June 25.
Camp Sherman Road District Tax Levy Renewal
Measure 16-116, a renewal of the existing local option tax levy for Camp Sherman Road District 18 covering a five-year period, also passed comfortably, with 130 Yes votes to 32 No — an 80 percent approval rate. Road district levies in rural areas fund maintenance of roads not covered by county or state budgets.
Jefferson County Library District
Jefferson County Library District voters also considered Measure 16-117, a general obligation measure. Full results for this measure were not available in initial reporting. The library board earlier this year discussed a revised expansion plan that was placed before voters in the May cycle.
Residents can check the full results at jeffco.net or the Oregon Secretary of State's election results page at results.oregonvotes.gov. Final certification is set for June 25.
What These Results Mean
The strong support for the fire district levy reflects community investment in local emergency services at a time when wildfire preparedness has become a year-round concern across Central Oregon. For Camp Sherman and the surrounding area — a community of second homes, retirees, and outdoor recreation visitors — having well-staffed fire and EMS service is a baseline safety expectation.
The road district renewal similarly signals that rural residents remain willing to fund basic infrastructure independently when county or state funding falls short.