Magnolia Pointe MUD president asks Josephine council for joint work session on public-safety fees, data sharing

Micah Phelps, president of the Magnolia Pointe Municipal Utility District board, told the City of Josephine City Council Aug. 20 that his board wants a joint work session with the council to discuss public-safety fees, service levels and a breakdown of costs.

Phelps said Magnolia Pointe residents and the MUD board have been frustrated by sudden fee changes and a lack of detailed cost breakdowns. He told the council the MUD has repeatedly requested calls-for-service data from the city and police department but has not received it, and he urged open communication and a formal joint session so both governing bodies can discuss expectations, staffing and budget issues.

Why the MUD wants a meeting

Phelps described residents' concerns about service quality and transparency. He said some residents report instances when police did not take action, which has eroded trust, and contrasted that with the fire department, which he described as "reliable, visible, and engaged." He said the MUD contributes an estimated 70% of the city's public-safety budget and asked for a regular, proactive dialogue, a full cost breakdown, and a joint review of the initial intergovernmental agreement to clarify responsibilities going forward.

Council response and next steps

Mayor Jeremy and councilmembers said they would work with city staff to schedule a joint session. City staff member Lisa was asked to coordinate dates and confirm availability of the council, MUD board and the city's legal counsel; the council suggested the community center or city vault as possible meeting locations. Phelps said Saturdays work best for him and urged that the meeting take place before any rates take effect.

What was not decided

The council did not vote on any ordinance or take formal action to change fees during the meeting. The recorded outcome was that staff were asked to coordinate a joint work session and ensure legal counsel could attend. Phelps said the MUD has obtained quotes from other service providers but stressed the board prefers to continue city services if transparency and communication improve.

Next steps and information requested

The MUD asked for calls-for-service data disaggregated by MUD district and by initiating party (officer-initiated vs. citizen-initiated) and proposed a review of the first agreement between the MUD and the city. The council asked staff to propose meeting dates and confirmed they would involve legal counsel in the meeting planning.