From: Brian Rager

Sent: Tue May 12 17:41:28 2020

To: John M. Lewis; Bezner, Mike; BCS - Chris Randall; 'kmcmillan@tualatin.gov'; seal@cityofestacada.org; Lance Calvert; Paul.SCARLETT@odot.state.or.us; erooney@ci.oswego.or.us; nelson@ci.wilsonville.or.us; mwalker@cityofsandy.com; Steve.Townsen@portlandoregon.gov; Gerald Fisher; AdamsS@milwaukieoregon.gov; Jim Whynot; carole@happyvalleyor.gov; Jerry Nelzen; Kim McMillan; Mike Bisset; Kerber, Delora; Anthony Hooper (ahooper@ci.oswego.or.us); Craig Sheldon (sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us); Jeff Fuchs (jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us); Russ Thomas; Doug Singer

Cc: Dayna Webb

Subject: RE: Utility Rate Increases During the COVID -19 Economic Downturn

Importance: Normal

Attachments: image001.jpg;

Hi John. I know I’m very late with this. Tigard was set to increase our storm and water rates, effective July 1. However, our council asked that we delay those increases to January, 2021.

Our Finance group also brings our master fees and charges forward each year during the budget process, to be effective July 1. That plan will continue.

The council also asked staff to put together a utility bill relief program. It will have two components:

1. 1. We are expanding our hardship program through St. Vincent de Paul to remove some limits through December 31, 2020. This is designed for customers who meet HUD thresholds.
2. 2. We are proposing a budget of $750K from our utility funds to provide relief of $40/month to:
   1. a. Residential customers who get a bill from the City, and can demonstrate unemployment
   2. b. Businesses who get a bill from Tigard and can show they have been shut down or adversely impacted by Covid

Very sorry to be late with this, John. Let me know if you have questions.

Brian Rager

Public Works Director

City of Tigard | Public Works Department

Direct Line: 503-718-2471

brianr@tigard-or.gov

From: John M. Lewis <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.

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.”

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