November 2, 2021 Election Ballot for Oregon City

The Oregon City ballot for the November 2, 2021 Special Election contains two ballot measures, Number 3-576 and Number 3-578.

Ballot Measure 3-576

Caption: Authorizes the City to Borrow Funds for Water System Improvements.

Question: Shall Oregon City be authorized to borrow up to $38 million for water system improvements?

Summary: Oregon City's water system needs significant improvements, demonstrated by its water master plan. The plan identifies projects to strengthen the water system and improve its ability to recover from wildfire, major storms, and drought while ensuring everyone has safe, reliable water year-round.

The City seeks a balanced approach to fully fund the water system improvements minimizing rate increases above the 3% Charter limit by borrowing money. This measure would authorize Oregon City to borrow funds to support water system improvements. The City expects to repay the borrowed money over 20 to 30 years with water system revenues and may pledge its full faith and credit to improve the terms. This measure will not result in additional property taxes. Voter authorization to borrow money will:

• Enable the City to apply for low interest federal and state loans
• Provide a large sum of money at one time, allowing projects to be completed earlier
• Allow future users to contribute resulting in a smaller annual water rate increase

Ballot Measure 3-578

Caption: Authorizes Temporary Water Rate Increases Above 3% Annual Charter Limit.

Question: May City increase water rates up to an additional 3% annually over limit for 6 years for water system improvements?

Summary: Oregon City's water system requires significant improvements, as demonstrated by its water master plan. The planned improvements will strengthen the water system and improve its ability to provide safe, reliable water year-round.

The City's goals (which will require additional action by the City Commission):

• Repair and upgrade the oldest and most likely to fail parts of the system
• Provide all households reliable water service during the summer months
• Provide reliable water service to fight wildfires and after storms and earthquakes

Past rate increases have been kept to the 3% Charter limit - but that amount isn't enough to cover water system fixes. The City seeks a balanced approach to fully fund the improvements by minimizing the required rate increase above the Charter limit by borrowing money. This ballot measure would authorize temporary annual water rate increases of up to 3% annually above the Charter limit, for 6 years. For a typical household, in 6 years the monthly water rate would increase $5.63 under the Charter limit and an additional $6.56 if the measure is fully implemented.

Resource Link

• Clackamas County's November 2, 2021 Special Election page