Scappoose council adopts 2025–26 priorities, approves Oak & Myrtle water-main contract; discusses local revenue options

Scappoose — The Scappoose City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, approved a contract authorization for the Oak and Myrtle water-main project, adopted a revised City Council priorities document for 2025–26 and discussed local revenue options for long-term funding of parks and public safety.

The council approved its consent agenda, which included minutes from January meetings and authorization to award a contract for the Oak and Myrtle water-mainline project. City staff told the council the bids for the project came in below the city’s estimate; the council previously identified $300,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward the work.

The council also voted to adopt the strategic planning package that came out of a recent retreat but changed the document title from “City Council strategic plan” to “City Council priorities” and amended the plan’s language so there “will be periodic reviews of progress.” Council members debated whether the document should include more specificity, and staff agreed to circulate a follow-up memo and a supplemental document provided by Councilor Joel for additional detail.

Why this matters: the approved contract moves a water-infrastructure project closer to construction using one-time federal ARPA relief funds, while adoption of council priorities sets the council’s policy focus for the coming year and establishes a periodic review expectation. Discussion of revenue tools signals the council is exploring local options to fund ongoing services…