So of course, the Corvallis City Council didn’t do their usual service fee increases this year because Donald Trump says he’s “defeated” inflation. He also has a bigger ballroom than the Councilors’, so they’ll be taking his word for it.
Like obviously, if there’s no inflation, first responders and road crews won’t be needing any raises. BUT THEN THE COUNCIL WOKE UP. Also, we were just kidding. City officials have, in fact, noticed the latest year-over-year inflation rate. Which does exceed the Federal Reserve’s target. The Fed likes 2%. The rate is 3% as of right now.
Which is why the City Council’s combined service fee increases amount to 13.4%. That’s about $19.66 per homeowner each month.
And before you get all mad at the Council, does anybody really-really believe the inflation rate is only really-really 3% really. Also, see what that last sentence did? It’s what some folks might call a copy editor death sentence. And with that finished, get mad at whoever you would like.
Oh, and the fees, they pay for everything from fire and police to water treatment and sidewalk maintenance. So, moving right along…
Last Landfill Bruhaha?
Okay, get angry, but be cool. Screaming at elected folks is about as effective as smacking a slow-moving vending machine; it may move quicker, but it still dispenses something toxic and stupid. We speak here, of course, of Monday’s Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting.
There were no surprises. Commissioners Pat Malone and Nancy Wyse made official their prior findings that the Coffin Butte Landfill should be expanded. They were booed and heckled by the audience. Commissioner Gabe Shepheard voted against. Like we said, no surprises.
Also, there have been threats to recall Malone and Wyse. It would take almost 6,700 voter signatures to queue up a special recall election. Malone is up for reelection next year, and Wyse in 2028.
So maybe, don’t get angry, get even. And by even, we mean electorally engaged. Recruit candidates. But not just any candidates. Recruit folks that have made an outsized difference in some way. Recruit the visionary that knows how to make tough million-dollar budget decisions, morally. Look for folks that have a demonstrated ability to lead, to persuade people to do hard things.
Find candidates that both the left and right can live with, because honestly, we’re talking local government. It’s potholes, and sometimes a cesspool euphemistically called a landfill. And as no small aside, if you think you can’t do worse than some of the folks serving on the Benton County Board of Commissioners, DEAR GAWD, look at some of our other local governmental bodies. Or on second thought, maybe don’t.
Ahem, sorry not sorry, reporter malfunction. Let’s just keep moving, shall we.
Anyhow, this won’t likely be the last we hear about the dump. Folks can appeal to Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals within 21 days of the Commission’s decision. After that, there are the courts and allusions to Bleak House, because of course there will be allusions to Bleak House.
And back to the City Council for a Minute
At their Monday meeting, City Councilors also approved a five-year franchise agreement with NW Natural Gas. Right now, the City gets 5% of gross sales of natural gas, about $830,000 yearly. The proposed agreement increases the franchise fee to 5.94% resulting in an anticipated increase of $160,000 annually to the City’s General Fund.
Also, those service fees from earlier, the yearly revenue increase would be $6,045,107 according to the City. That would bring service fee revenues to $55,485,321 annually.
Should this reporter mention these fees are a regressive tax, disproportionately impacting lower income earners. No, this reporter shouldn’t do that.
By Mike Suarez
Speaking of Ballrooms: A Cartoon from Corvallis’ Jack Compere…
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