Portland Sewer Rate Victory

Just shy of $2 million is staying in sewer ratepayer pockets in Portland because the City Council accepted a CUB recommendation to make sure developers pay their fair share.

Thanks to those who sent along CUB’s message to Commissioner Nick Fish - they helped him carry the day with Mayor Hales and the rest of the City Council.

Here is the background: CUB uncovered a City Council decision back in 2011 that reduced the sewer system development charge paid by developers to the Bureau of Environmental Services due to the economic downturn. These charges are based on state guidelines and are the way developers pay their fair share for sewer systems since they are built to accommodate future growth. It had gotten so that this charge was only 85% of what is allowed under state law. That sure didn’t seem fair and CUB spoke out in City Hall for ratepayers.

The City Council listened, and so what was going to be a 3.8% residential sewer rate increase is now 3.6% because of CUB’s advocacy. By paying their fair share, developers will increase revenues to the sewer system by just shy of $2 million. That is money that will now stay in the pockets of ratepayers next fiscal year.

Check out the news coverage on KOIN 6 and in The Oregonian.

This is a victory for ratepayers, but we know more work needs to be done. CUB continues its efforts to save ratepayer money for Portland public utility customers.

Questions and suggestions are always welcome at (503)227-1984 x24 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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