John
City of Lake Oswego approved annual utility rate increases effective January 1, as they do every year. There has not been any talk at this point of doing differently, but that conversation doesn’t usually come up until late Fall.
We do have a Temporary Utility Assistance Program set up as a result of COVID-19.
The City Contirbuted 20k
Donations can be made to assist other
Applies only to residential
Mas amount is $200 per month and for only 2 months in a 12-month period
See: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/temporary-utility-assistance
Erica Rooney, P.E.
City Engineer & Director
Engineering Department
City of Lake Oswego
PO Box 369 (mail only)
380 A Avenue
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-635-0264 - direct
The City has implemented measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our staff and customers, while maintaining our commitment to serve the community. For City closures and information regarding the City’s response to coronavirus, visit www.lakeoswego.city/coronavirus or call 503-635-0257.
From: Calvert, Lance [mailto:lcalvert@westlinnoregon.gov]
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2020 9:59 AM
To: Jim Whynot <whynot@ci.gladstone.or.us>; John M. Lewis <jmlewis@orcity.org>; Bezner, Mike <MikeBez@clackamas.us>; BCS - Chris Randall <chrisr@happyvalleyor.gov>; 'kmcmillan@tualatin.gov'; seal@cityofestacada.org; Paul.SCARLETT@odot.state.or.us; Rooney, Erica <erooney@ci.oswego.or.us>; nelson@ci.wilsonville.or.us; mwalker@cityofsandy.com; Steve.Townsen@portlandoregon.gov; gfisher@cityofmolalla.com; AdamsS@milwaukieoregon.gov; carole@happyvalleyor.gov; Jerry Nelzen <nelzenj@canbyoregon.gov>; Kim McMillan <kmcmillan@tualatin.gov>; Mike Bisset <Mike.Bisset@mcminnvilleoregon.gov>; Kerber, Delora <kerber@ci.wilsonville.or.us>; Brian Rager <BRIANR@tigard-or.gov>; Hooper, Anthony <ahooper@ci.oswego.or.us>; Craig Sheldon (sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us) <sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us>; Jeff Fuchs (jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us) <jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us>; Russ Thomas <russ.thomas@newbergoregon.gov>; Doug Singer <doug.k.singer@ci.eugene.or.us>
Cc: Dayna Webb <dwebb@orcity.org>
Subject: RE: Utility Rate Increases During the COVID -19 Economic Downturn
John,
West Linn is bound by charter to not raise utility rates more than 5% each year unless a vote of citizens allows for a larger increase. This charter rule, in effect, forces the City Council to raise rates annually as they have no option to raise rates beyond 5% without an expensive public vote campaign (that has never passed in prior attempts to raise rates for water infrastructure). Thus West Linn will continue on our steady path of rate increases as we have some of the lowest utility rates in the area for water and sewer. We have a low income assistance program in our Code that gives a 50% discount to residents with proven low income. You might want to review adjustments to a low income assistance program rather than a wholesale utility rate decrease as that would rob money from needed future capital expenses. Fees are approved annually in our master fee schedule and we base charges on our actual costs so I would anticipate our rates and fees will continue to increase as appropriate.
Unfortunately, we aren’t the federal government and don’t print money.
https://www.codepublishing.com/OR/WestLinn/#!/WestLinn04.html#4.155
(Low income assistance program)
https://westlinnoregon.gov/finance/current-fee-schedule
(Annual Fee Schedule)
Lance
From: Jim Whynot [mailto:whynot@ci.gladstone.or.us]
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2020 9:35 AM
To: John M. Lewis <jmlewis@orcity.org>; Bezner, Mike <MikeBez@clackamas.us>; BCS - Chris Randall <chrisr@happyvalleyor.gov>; 'kmcmillan@tualatin.gov'; seal@cityofestacada.org; Calvert, Lance <lcalvert@westlinnoregon.gov>; Paul.SCARLETT@odot.state.or.us; erooney@ci.oswego.or.us; nelson@ci.wilsonville.or.us; mwalker@cityofsandy.com; Steve.Townsen@portlandoregon.gov; gfisher@cityofmolalla.com; AdamsS@milwaukieoregon.gov; carole@happyvalleyor.gov; Jerry Nelzen <nelzenj@canbyoregon.gov>; Kim McMillan <kmcmillan@tualatin.gov>; Mike Bisset <Mike.Bisset@mcminnvilleoregon.gov>; Kerber, Delora <kerber@ci.wilsonville.or.us>; Brian Rager <BRIANR@tigard-or.gov>; Anthony Hooper (ahooper@ci.oswego.or.us) <ahooper@ci.oswego.or.us>; Craig Sheldon (sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us) <sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us>; Jeff Fuchs (jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us) <jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us>; Russ Thomas <russ.thomas@newbergoregon.gov>; Doug Singer <doug.k.singer@ci.eugene.or.us>
Cc: Dayna Webb <dwebb@orcity.org>
Subject: RE: Utility Rate Increases During the COVID -19 Economic Downturn
Hello John,
The City of Gladstone raised its Utility rates effective January 1st of this year and is scheduled to do the same January 1st 2021, which will be up for discussion for sure given COVID.
Staff is recommending adjusting the city’s low income assistance program. You can see the staff report here. https://www.ci.gladstone.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/7530/councilpacket.05122020.pdf
In April the city reduced utility bills across all rate payers by 50%.
For May the city is offering utility bill rebates of up to $45. Rebates of $15 for every $25 spent at a local business or restaurant. Details can be seen here.
https://www.ci.gladstone.or.us/community/page/support-your-gladstone-businesses
Hope this helps.
Let me know if you have any questions.
From: John M. Lewis [mailto:jmlewis@orcity.org]
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2020 8:34 AM
To: Bezner, Mike <MikeBez@clackamas.us>; BCS - Chris Randall <chrisr@happyvalleyor.gov>; 'kmcmillan@tualatin.gov'; seal@cityofestacada.org; Lance Calvert <lcalvert@westlinnoregon.gov>; Paul.SCARLETT@odot.state.or.us; erooney@ci.oswego.or.us; nelson@ci.wilsonville.or.us; mwalker@cityofsandy.com; Steve.Townsen@portlandoregon.gov; gfisher@cityofmolalla.com; AdamsS@milwaukieoregon.gov; Jim Whynot <whynot@ci.gladstone.or.us>; carole@happyvalleyor.gov; Jerry Nelzen <nelzenj@canbyoregon.gov>; Kim McMillan <kmcmillan@tualatin.gov>; Mike Bisset <Mike.Bisset@mcminnvilleoregon.gov>; Kerber, Delora <kerber@ci.wilsonville.or.us>; Brian Rager <BRIANR@tigard-or.gov>; Anthony Hooper (ahooper@ci.oswego.or.us) <ahooper@ci.oswego.or.us>; Craig Sheldon (sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us) <sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us>; Jeff Fuchs (jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us) <jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us>; Russ Thomas <russ.thomas@newbergoregon.gov>; Doug Singer <doug.k.singer@ci.eugene.or.us>
Cc: Dayna Webb <dwebb@orcity.org>
Subject: Utility Rate Increases During the COVID -19 Economic Downturn
I would appreciate a quick response regarding whether your agency is considering rate increases within the 2020 calendar year. Oregon City routinely raises some of its rates in June either 3% or a rate increase based on a CPI index. Those not covered in June are typically increase in January. Our leadership has a strong preference for annual rate increases rather than large increases every few years. Our Mayor refers to this annual increase as the best strategy to boil the frog. Ribbit!
Like most of you during our COVID -19 Management Team meetings there have discussions about cancellations, closures, efforts or actions that City Hall can take to help the community. Raising rates (or not) recently came up as something we need to decide soon and we’re looking to better understand what others may be thinking about this idea. I offered to inquire with a few of my most “prestigious” and knowledgeable contacts. Congratulation’s you made the cut.
Does your agency bring forth annual utility rate increases?
Does your agency bring forth annual fee (permits, business license, etc.) increases?
If so do you foresee your agency delaying annual utility rate increases due to the COVID -19 economic downturn?
Has your agency made any decisions on other fees in response to the COVID -19 economic downturn?
Thank all of you prestigious and knowledgeable people in advance for your responses.
| John M. Lewis, P.E. Public Works Director City of Oregon City PO Box 3040 625 Center Street Oregon City, Oregon 97045 503.657.0891 phone 503.793.2255 cell email: jmlewis@orcity.org City web site: www.orcity.org Bid/RFP site: http://bids.orcity.org/
|
The City of Oregon City is open for business, however, we are not participating in person to person meetings at this time. We are coordinating with our customers and service providers to address business continuity, this includes ensuring our staff can continue to work in a safe office or field location, using social distancing practices or working remotely. Our goal is to be responsive to our community throughout this pandemic. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
Lance Calvert
Public Works Director
Public Works
22500 Salamo Rd
West Linn, Oregon 97068
503-722-3424
Please consider the impact on the environment before printing a paper copy of this email.
This e-mail is subject to the State Retention Schedule and may be made available to the public
PUBLIC RECORDS LAW DISCLOSURE This e-mail is a public record of the City of Lake Oswego and is subject to public disclosure unless exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law. This email is subject to the State Retention Schedule.