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Council hears update on regional water planning, funding and membership concerns
Summary
Mayor's briefing covered regional water-supply planning, clarified reporting on bylaw development and funding, and noted that Newport has not joined a county-wide water initiative because of a separate dam repair priority; councilors discussed a potential $2,000 city contribution and the need for a paid coordinator.
The presiding officer (speaker 2) briefed the council on recent regional water-supply planning activity and responded to local reporting that had criticized aspects of the process.
He said volunteers drafted bylaws for a Lincoln County water-supply association and that meetings included about 20 participants; the council amended bylaws to address voting membership concerns and continues to debate financing. "The biggest issue that was, outstanding and is still outstanding is how we're gonna pay for this," the presiding officer said, noting volunteers proposed a funding approach that many found unworkable and that a paid coordinator may be required.
Councilors discussed membership challenges: one concern is that the City of Newport has not signed on because it is focused on an estimated $130 million dam fix for a nearby dam. The council discussed a $2,000 initial city contribution and a county grant request to fund six months of coordinator activity while members determine a sustainable financing plan. No formal city commitment beyond discussion was passed at the meeting.
