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Committee debates portal park improvements and paid parking as revenue options
Summary
Committee reviewed a large highway fund balance and debated using highway money for portal park improvements and buying equipment (a riding mower). Members discussed whether to move items to RTMP funds, add paid parking or QR-code donations, and the optics of spending highway funds while the general fund shows a deficit.
Budget staff told the committee the highway fund has substantial cash-on-hand (an LGIP balance reported at about $635,000) and presented proposed capital items — $10,000 for portal improvements and $10,000 for river access improvements — plus smaller items such as security cameras. Committee members debated whether to use highway funds for a riding mower for volunteer maintenance and whether paid parking or QR-code donations at Portal Park might generate ongoing revenue.
Some members raised optics and legal-use concerns about using highway funds for non-highway purposes; Chitten explained certain highway funds are constitutionally restricted in Oregon while other funds such as Secure Rural Schools receipts may be more flexible if exchanged through the county. Suggestions included asking county tourism staff about QR-code donations and exploring volunteer coordination to reduce operating costs.
