Council Approves Revised Water System Development Charges
February 25, 2019 — At the Wilsonville City Council meeting on February 21, the Council approved revised water system development charges (SDCs) calculated to provide adequate long-term funding for future new development to expand the City’s critical domestic water infrastructure. The Council’s action concluded a public hearing that was continued from Feb. 4 to allow the Council time to review additional information before considering adoption of new SDC rates, last adjusted in 2000.
The approved fee of $9,600 per Meter Capacity Equivalent (MCE) represents a significant increase over the current fee of $5,995 per MCE, ensuring that current residents and businesses that have already paid SDCs are not subsidizing future growth. The water SDC rate change follows Council adoption of the 2017 Water Treatment Plant Master Plan Update, which identifies $66.6 million in anticipated water infrastructure projects over the next 10-20 years.
Additionally, Council unanimously approved two items on the consent agenda. The first establishes a pool of eligible judges who would be available, as needed, to preside over the City’s municipal court when Municipal Court Judge Fred Weinhouse is unavailable. The second authorizes the City to enter into a new two-year professional services agreement with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC, to provide financial advisory services as needed.
Councilor Ben West introduced a motion asking the City Council to draft formal opposition to Oregon Senate Bill 608, a tenants-rights measure under consideration by the state legislature. Specifically, West stated concern with the speed of the legislation, as well as his belief that the City should lobby the State legislature to allow for more debate, amendments and removal of the emergency clause. Though the motion was discussed at length, Council elected not to take action.
Prior to the meeting in a work session, City staff provided an update on amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Transportation System Plan that account for the now-complete Basalt Creek Concept Plan, developed and adopted with the City of Tualatin. Along with an updated Urban Planning Area Agreement with Washington County, these amendments establish the City’s planning authority in Basalt Creek and set the stage for future master planning and infrastructure development.
Community members can watch a replay of all or a portion of the City Council meeting on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 30, Frontier Ch. 32 or on the City’s YouTube channel: ci.wilsonville.or.us/WilsonvilleTV.
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