Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Tuesday, July 1st, 2025. Here’s what’s happening around town as the week kicks off and we get ready for the Independence Day holiday.Starting today, Bend residents will see a new city transportation fee take effect, so keep an eye on your next utility bill. In Phase 2 of this program, approved by the City Council, monthly charges for single-family homes rise to around ten dollars and fifty cents, nearly doubling from last year. The city says this initiative is needed to fund everything from pavement restoration and street preservation to sidewalk work, routine sweeping, and snow removal. Officials stress that with limited state and federal funding, it’s up to the community to invest in maintaining the roads we rely on every day. If you’re worried about affording the new rate, discounted options remain available for qualifying households, but any unpaid fees will be subject to regular delinquency procedures, so reach out early if you have concerns. The city expects to generate about ten million dollars annually from this phase, supporting critical infrastructure projects all over Bend.Shifting to public safety and community life, Deschutes County is in the middle of an important transition as commissioners begin searching for a new county sheriff. Kent van der Kamp’s resignation was finalized yesterday, sparking plenty of discussion and a promise for public input on his replacement.With Fourth of July celebrations just a few days away, fire officials are urging caution with fireworks. Recent dry conditions and a brush fire in Dry Canyon have heightened concern. Over in Redmond, the City Council is meeting today for an emergency session to discuss a last-minute city-wide ban on fireworks. The debate has put fireworks organizations in a tough spot, so expect updates as the situation unfolds. Here in Bend, the annual Pet Parade will launch the holiday fun on the morning of July 4th—with a change this year, the parade starts thirty minutes early, so be sure to arrive ahead of time to catch one of the city’s most beloved and quirky traditions.It’s also a busy week for outdoor adventure. Street paving and preservation work continues across several neighborhoods as part of the city’s annual maintenance program, so watch for detours and crews as you’re out and about. Local trails, ziplining, and mountain biking are more popular than ever. If you’re seeking a break from the summer crowds, early mornings at Pilot Butte or evening strolls along the Deschutes River are great options.That’s your Bend Local Frequency for today. Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday, navigating new city fees, or just soaking in some sunshine, we hope you have a safe and vibrant start to July. This has been Bend Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Ver todos los episodios