CASCADE LOCKS — The Cascade Locks City Council met at City Hall on Aug. 11. Prior to the meeting, they held a workshop to discuss increasing water rates and reducing the service to the city’s previous infrastructure loan. While councilors did agree that water rates should be increased, they did not agree on how much, nor on how much extra should be paid towards the city’s debt.
The city has been authorizing more than the minimum required in an effort to pay off the debt early. Now facing financial hardship, the council must decide how to move forward on both issues.
Next up was to fill the seat vacated by Denise Emmerling-Baker, which was completed without Councilor Bernard Seeger at the table. Two residents submitted applications: Courtnee Keilman, a member of the budget and charter review committees, and Shirelle Price, former Cascade Locks accounting clerk. Following a brief interview, Councilors Eric Keller and Pete Happy favored Price, but Councilors Tiffany Pruit, Marianne Bump, and Mayor Brenda Wood supported Keilman, who was ultimately selected for the vacant seat. Keilman was sworn in immediately.
The replacement of the city hall building came up next. City Administrator Jordon Bennett offered the results of an informal survey administered at the Aug. 5 National Night Out. The results indicated that people recognize the need for major repairs or replacement of the building. Bennett met with architects to begin the process of researching options. The architects strongly suggested that the city complete a Master Facilities Plan in order to enhance funding opportunities. While municipal entities can apply for grants and other funding without one, most investors will favor the applicants that have shown this type of long-term planning.
In council comments, the mayor and council celebrated the passage of House Bill 5006, which allocates $1 million for Cascade Locks (see related story). The funds are a reimbursement for the McCord Creek Bridge Powerline Relocation project, which Oregon’s Department of Transportation ordered, but provided no funding for, requiring the city to borrow money. The city credits legislators Daniel Bonham and Jeff Helfrich for promoting their request, and lobbyist Tre Hendriks for bringing it to their attention. Seeger, who advocated heavily for hiring a lobbyist to promote the cause, was grateful as well.
The next Cascade Locks City Council meeting is set for Monday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.
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