City Council
Council approved a $2.565 million borrowing plan for 2026 projects, with one no vote and a resident warning that the Neshotah Beach money could become a “spend it because we borrowed it” problem. Council also awarded a $2.44 million lead service/sanitary lateral replacement contract for the near north side.
Council approved parameters to borrow up to $2.565 million for the 2026 capital plan, including $255,000 tied to the Neshotah Beach concessions project; one councilmember voted no, and a resident questioned why the city is borrowing before the Neshotah decision and survey results are in.
Council awarded a $2.44 million contract to Mammoth Construction for this year’s lead water service and sanitary lateral replacement work on the near north side (23rd–31st Streets area), a project that directly affects streets, yards, and out-of-pocket costs for some homeowners.
Tourism staff reported 2025 room tax revenue was down about 10% from 2024, while the Room Tax Commission ended the year with about $75,000 in its general fund and short-term rentals declined from about 40 to 34.
Spoke against borrowing that includes $255,000 for the Neshotah Beach project before the council sees vendor quotes and survey results; warned that once the city borrows, it becomes easier to justify spending it later, and questioned whether costs that were previously described as partly room-tax-supported could shift onto property taxpayers if the project doesn’t move forward.
Relayed a resident’s complaints about lead lateral replacement work: confusing or incorrect information when calling the city, street access problems during construction, a final bill about $1,400 higher than the estimate due to a reroute, and a curb shutoff/valve sticking up; asked Public Works and Public Utilities to review oversight, communication, and safety/liability questions.