North Bend staff outlines progress on council goals; attorneys recommend charter changes for voter consideration

City staff presented a quarterly update on the North Bend Council’s strategic-plan "buckets," summarizing progress in financial stability, code modernization, public safety, infrastructure and economic development.

Staff highlighted a balanced budget produced with multiyear forecasting, digitization of 30 years of council minutes, a paperless finance initiative, and leveraged outside funding for projects. The library renovation raised about $782,964 through grants and community donations, public-works projects used a $1,340,000 EPA assistance award toward a $3,000,000 project, and the police department secured a $125,000 federal COPS hiring grant and $88,750 from the Oregon Department of Transportation for traffic enforcement.

On public safety, staff noted a community-funded K-9 program and adoption of new tools including automated license-plate readers and drone-capability grants. Staff said the city is auditing a public-safety utility fee implementation issue and expects corrections to be in place by July 1.

The city attorney summarized recommended charter amendments from the Charter Review Committee: updating the charter year, moving the mayor’s term from two to four years (with language and timing for ballot placement discussed), renaming the city administrator position to city manager, and proposed language allowing a reduced council to appoint replacements rather than defaulting to county appointment. Councilors discussed timing, whether the League of Oregon Cities model charter language should be incorporated and the path to ballot placement and public information.

No charter amendment was adopted at the work session; staff said the city can include measures on a May ballot if council directs and will provide informational materials to voters if measures move forward.