Council adopts $4,000 heritage grant spending; approves garbage‑rate increase effective April 1

At its joint meeting the Cottage Grove City Council unanimously adopted two resolutions: one to appropriate a $4,000 State Historic Preservation Office (Oregon Heritage) grant and another to approve new solid‑waste collection rates from the franchise garbage provider.

Resolution 2162: appropriation of $4,000 Oregon Heritage grant. Associate Planner Lenny Crowe told the council the city received a $4,000 grant from the State Historic Preservation Office (Oregon Heritage) to support marketing and promotions for history partners in Cottage Grove. Councilor Ervin moved adoption of Resolution 2162 and the council approved the appropriation by roll call vote; all members present voted aye.

Resolution 2163: Cottage Grove Garbage Service rate increase. City Manager Sarawind reported that, following earlier franchise discussions, staff returned with a resolution to set new solid‑waste collection and disposal rates proposed by Cottage Grove Garbage. The resolution authorizes rate changes to take effect April 1, 2025. Council members who spoke during the discussion said the rate adjustments were modest and aimed at helping the provider retain employees; the council approved the resolution by unanimous roll call vote.

Why it matters: the grant funds will be used for historical marketing and partner support and must be appropriated to be spent lawfully in the current fiscal year. The garbage‑service rate action updates franchise charges for residents and affects utility billing beginning April 1.

Votes and formal actions (selected): - Resolution 2162 — "Establishing appropriations within the general fund for expenditure of an unforeseen specific purpose grant from the State Historic Preservation Office, Oregon Heritage All Star Community Grant (OHAC‑24‑05)"; amount: $4,000; mover: Councilor Ervin; second: not specified in the transcript; outcome: approved, unanimous roll call (ayes recorded for Councilors Lammerman, Meriden, Settlemyer, Hine, Irvin, Wilson and Mayor Solsby). - Resolution 2163 — "Approving new solid waste collection and disposal rates for Cottage Grove Garbage Service" effective 2025‑04‑01; mover: not specified on the record; second: not specified; outcome: approved, unanimous roll call (ayes recorded across council present).

Record and next steps: staff will implement the budget appropriation for the Oregon Heritage grant and the finance/utility billing team will apply the new garbage rates starting April 1, 2025. The City Manager indicated the rate proposal followed earlier franchise and provider discussions.