2011 General Election Ballot Guide: Oregon

Countywide measures

(+) Measure 3-388 on the countywide ballot would require the approval of voters residing in an area in order to create a new or substantially amended urban renewal plan zone.
(+) Measure 3-386 on the countywide ballot seeks to amend the county code to require voter approval of urban renewal decisions. While similar to Measure 3-388, Measure 3-386 would allow for the entire county, rather than just inhabitants of the affected region of the county, to vote on urban renewal plan zones.
Clackamas County residents will also vote on a renewal of the existing public safety levy. This measure would not increase the current burden on taxpayers.

Local measures

(–) Residents the City of Canby will decide on imposing a new tax of $0.49 per $1,000 of assessed property value for five years, extracting about $2,700,000 to fund operations of the local swimming pool.
(+) Voters in the City of Molalla will decide whether the terms of office of the Mayor and Councilors should be limited to eight consecutive years. Currently there are no term limits.
(+) Molalla residents will also decide whether the Mayor or any Councilor may be removed from office by the City Council, following a public hearing, for attempting to coerce the City Manager in the appointment or removal of any city employee, or in administrative decisions regarding city property or contracts.
(+) Finally, voters of Molalla will decide whether annexations of territory to the city that are initiated by property owners should be approved by the voters, with the election costs to be paid for by the property owners seeking annexation.
(–) Voters in the City of West Linn will decide on a bonding measure which would issue $8,500,000 in debt for a new police station. Passage of this measure would result in an estimated increase in property taxes of $0.16 per year per $1,000 of assessed value.

Local measures

(–) Residents in Columbia City will decide on a property tax increase of $0.67 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years for police services. Voters defeated an identical measure in May.

Local measures

(–) Residents in Culver School District No. 4 will decide on a measure issuing $14,500,000 in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects and to refinance debt.

Local measures

(+) City of Idanba residents will vote on a charter amendment to require direct election of the Mayor at each biennial election.
(+) City of Idanba voters will decide on amending the City Charter to set specific dates and times for Council meetings.
(+) Residents of the City of Idanba will vote on a charter amendment to require voter approval of all proposed tax, fee, and charge increases of more than 2 percent. Increases may only be passed at a general election in an even-numbered year with at least 50 percent voter turnout.
(–) Residents in the Lyons Rural Fire Protection district will vote on a measure authorizing $2,100,000 of general obligation bonds to finance the acquisition of three public safety vehicles, and construction of a storage and maintenance facility.
(–) Voters in the Sweet Home Cemetery Maintenance District will decide on a new property tax of $0.08 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years. The estimated $250,000 in total revenue would be used for general operations.
(+) Residents in the City of Tangent will decide on a measure to require voter approval of all comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances.

Local measures

(–) Residents in the Alto Park Water District will vote on imposing a new property tax of $0.60 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years, which amounts to $60,000 in higher revenue, for operating expenses and to maintain a contingency fund for future expenses.
(–) Beaverton School District voters in Multnomah and Washington Counties will decide on a new property tax levy of $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value over five years. The new tax is expected to raise $70,000,000 in part to offset overspending in the budget.

Countywide measures

(–) Voters in Tillamook County will decide on a bond measure to issue $15,000,000 in debt for road repairs and improvements. Financing the bonds would result in additional property taxes of $0.46 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Countywide measures

Washington County residents will vote on a renewal of the existing public safety levy. This measure would not increase the current burden on taxpayers.

Local measures

(–) Residents in the City of Beaverton will vote on approving the Central Beaverton Urban Renewal Plan. Funding for the plan would rely upon up to $150,000,000 in tax increment financing over a period of 30 years.
(–) Beaverton School District voters in Multnomah and Washington Counties will decide on a new property tax levy of $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value over five years. The new tax is expected to raise $70,000,000, in part to offset overspending in the budget.

Local measures

(+) Residents of the City of Newburg will vote on a charter amendment to impose a series of changes retroactive to December 31, 2008. Any increase in taxes, fees or charges by the City Council would be referred to the voters if requested by five or more electors, with the special election being held within 30 days. Approval of the new taxes or fees must receive a majority of votes with minimum 50 percent voter turnout in order to be enacted. Additionally the city must publish monthly all adopted taxes and fees and pay attorney fees in all cases in which an elector prevails in an enforcement action.