Cascade Locks City Council favors water rates increase

Insurance may now be required where it was not previously, some property owners might have the option of dropping flood insurance, costs could change, and building codes in the floodplain may be stricter than outside it. More information, along with the proposed map updates, is available on the Cascade Locks city website, cascade-locks.or.us.

The city council then heard a presentation of a study of its wastewater and water rates. Consultant Christy DeMaster made it clear that water rates must be raised. Up for discussion was how much and in what way. The council explored charging residential users a base fee, plus an additional fee if more than 10,000 gallons per month are consumed; a base fee with a lower volume threshold; reducing the amount the city is paying on its 2020 water infrastructure debt; and a graduated rate increase.

One option presented by the consultant was a 39% increase, allowing the city to continue overpaying the minimum required on its debt, which would save more than $400,000 in interest over the life of the debt. Mayor Brenda Wood and Councilors Tiffany Pruit spoke in favor of a 21% increase, while Councilor Erik Keller, concerned about residents on fixed income, favored a 12% increase in water rates, coupled with paying less towards the debt. Councilors also discussed phasing in the increase. The council gave directions to the consultant, who will follow up with more specific details at a later date.

Next was discussion of two letters intended to communicate the council’s positions on relevant issues to the Hood River County School Board. The first letter, penned by Keller, encouraged the school board to maintain staffing levels at Cascade Locks Elementary School in light of budget cuts occurring this year. The second was a letter asking for some sort of representation for the community on the school board. The Cascade Locks’ board rep is Chrissy Reitz, but she does not live in the community.

Several councilors suggested focusing on one issue at a time, with school district budget cuts being the most timely, but Wood had already delivered the second letter as a public comment to the school board on April 9. While Wood claimed she had spoken as a private citizen, the minutes revealed that she had introduced herself as “the mayor of Cascade Locks,” and said she was “here to represent the community.”

Councilor Denise Emmerling-Baker reminded everyone that they must be very clear about their context when offering public comment. The board opted to endorse the budget letter with some edits, with Wood and Councilor Marianne Bump voting against it. Neither responded to inquiries as to why they were against the letter advocating for the elementary school by press time. The board representation letter was tabled.

Lastly, an update to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) code was unanimously adopted. It requires a separate electrical meter for all “separate, full living quarters.” Current legally-registered ADUs are exempt. This applies only to self-contained, separate units, not to rooms rented out in one’s home.

The next Cascade Locks city council meeting is set for May 12, and will be the only meeting in May. It will include a public hearing on the adoption of the Downtown Revitalization Plan, which includes zoning changes. Public comment is always welcome, and can be submitted in person, or via email to the council and mayor.