From: Russ Thomas

Sent: Thu May 07 10:29:35 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; Brian Rager; Anthony Hooper (ahooper@ci.oswego.or.us); Craig Sheldon (sheldonc@ci.sherwood.or.us); Jeff Fuchs (jfuchs@ci.tualatin.or.us); Doug Singer

Cc: Dayna Webb

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

Importance: Normal

Attachments: image003.jpg; image004.jpg;

John,

Hope you and all your staff is doing ok, and weathering the pandemic well.

The City of Newberg raised rates on January 1, of this year. Annual Rate increases is done Bi-annually. The next 2 year cycle for 2021-2022, with the recommended annual rate increases for 2021 and 2022, were presented to the city council in April. Council decided to table the recommended 2021-2022 rate increases until September due to the COVID19 issues, and will be revisit them and make a decision at that time.

The other city fees are on the city’s Master Fees schedule, which is reviewed and updated annually, and was updated in April of this year.

Service Disconnections have been suspended until further notice, however late fees still apply to past due accounts, and finance is working with customers on a case by case basis.

To help support local business during the COVID issue, the City Council approved the Newberg Support Local Challenge, where residents and local commercial account utility customers could submit a receipt for purchases from a local business during the month of April. Every $25 spent locally would get a $15 reduction on the utility bill, up to a $75 dollar maximum, with Council authorizing $100,000 towards this. Receipts must have the date and business name on them. Receipts can also be donated to assist in reducing the utility bills for those in other community that may need assistance. Approximately ½ of the authorized funds were used in April, and it was approved for the month of May until the remaining authorized funds are exhausted.

https://www.newbergoregon.gov/economicdevelopment/page/newberg-support-local-challenge

Russ Thomas

Interim Public Works Director

City of Newberg

500 W. 3rd Street

Newberg, Oregon 97132

(503)537-1233

(503)554-9411(fax)

e-mail: russ.thomas@newbergoregon.gov

From: John M. Lewis [mailto:jmlewis@orcity.org]

Sent: Thursday, May 07, 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

This email originated from outside the City of Newberg's organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

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.”