Springfield City Council signals support for higher wastewater option; public hearing set for May 5

Springfield City Council members signaled support during a work session for a higher-rate option for the city's wastewater and stormwater user fees and directed staff to return to council for a public hearing on May 5.

City staff said the user fees are the primary funding source for most stormwater and wastewater capital projects and operations. Kirk Vasquez, director of Environmental Services, told the council that roughly 85% to 95% of those fee revenues are used for capital programs, depending on the year and collected service charges.

The council heard two principal fee scenarios. Jeff, a city staff member, described Option 1 as a 4% increase for wastewater and a 3% increase for stormwater. He said Option 2 incorporates a larger wastewater adjustment based on a strategic financial plan the council reviewed last year. "The 5% is something that we brought to council last year," Jeff said, citing the modeling behind the strategic plan.

Why it matters: Springfield's wastewater and stormwater systems include aging infrastructure, permit-driven requirements and rising operating costs, staff said. Vasquez described long-run capital needs and permit drivers that affect program requirements: the city's stormwater permit is in renewal with the Department of Environmental Quality and the wastewater permit renewal process continues through 2027.

Staff and the metropolitan treatment partner recommended increases to align revenue with long-term asset replacement, debt service requirements and permit-driven investments. Jeff said the metropolitan wastewater management commission (MWMC) held a public hearing earlier in the week and recommended advancing a 5% adjustment on the regional side of wastewater fees.

Councilors debated rate sensitivity for residents and the need to maintain infrastructure. "I'm definitely leaning towards the first option," Councilor Rodley said, adding she favored smaller incremental increases because of residents' economic strain. Councilor Weber said she was "comfortable going with option number 2 as recommended." Councilor Stout, who also serves as the council liaison to the MWMC, praised the commission's fiscal conservatism and said he supported the 5% increase to stay ahead of needs. Councilor Carlos likewise said maintaining infrastructure is a top priority and expressed support for Option 2.

Outcome and next steps: The council's remarks indicated a majority leaning toward Option 2. Staff said they will bring a formal proposal to a public hearing on May 5 to present whatever direction the council finalizes; that hearing will determine any formal action or adoption.

Details and context: Staff noted Springfield's average single-family household wastewater usage in the comparison materials was about 4,200 gallons per month, and that comparative charts shown to council were based on a 5,000-gallon usage assumption. Presenters also explained that differences between Springfield and neighboring Eugene in the local fee component reflect prior bond sales and differing permit drivers.

Council materials and staff briefings accompanying the public hearing will present rate forecasts and the revenue model underlying the two options. The council requested clearer multi-year forecasts and follow-up information ahead of the May 5 hearing to help evaluate rate stability and long-term impacts.