May 2024 Ballot Measures

Question: Shall Flood Safety District issue bonds to upgrade infrastructure, protect water quality, communities, businesses, environment from flooding and require independent oversight of the bonds?

Financial Impact: The measure authorizes up to $150,000,000 of general obligation bonds for flood control. The estimated annual tax rate for bonds would be 11 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home with an assessed valuation of $246,712, which is the average assessed value of a home in the District, would pay $26.27 a year.

Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real marketvalue which is the market price of the home. See explanation of “Property Taxes, Compression & Ballot Measures” on the LWVPDX website at https://lwvpdx.org/vote/property-taxes-compression-ballot-measures/.

If the bonds are approved, the tax will be included in property taxes that are not subject to the limits of Section 11 and 11b of Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If the levy passes, the funds will be used to improve flood safety along the Columbia River by repairing and improving old facilities and restoring natural floodplains. The funds can be used as a “local match” to access federal flood control dollars.

Probable Results of a No Vote: If the levy fails, funds will not be available to update and repair flood control facilities that are underbuilt for today’s flood threats and the increased risks from climate change; increased flood insurance costs may force homeowners and businesses to relocate.

Background: About 13,000 acres of Multnomah County is in a natural flood plain, protected by 27 miles of levees, flood walls, drains, pumping stations, and wetlands. The floodplain includes residential areas, Portland International Airport, and the largest industrial employment area in Oregon.

The Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality Management District was created by the Oregon legislature in 2019 to replace several smaller districts and manage the flood control system as a whole. This is the new district’s first request for issuance of bonds.

Summary: Deteriorating infrastructure has increased the risks of severe flooding along the Columbia River, which could release toxic chemicals, raw sewage, and other hazardous materials into rivers and streams and onto public and private property. The flood control system, much of which is over 100 years old, no longer meets federal safety and resilience standards, which means that property owners could face increases in flood insurance costs, or difficulty in obtaining mortgages.

Levy funds would be used in part to raise and repair sections of levees and floodwalls, upgrade pumping stations to increase capacity and provide back-up power in case of electricity failure. Projects would be designed to improve energy efficiency, climate resilience, and fish and wildlife habitat.

A project would also need to address the cultural history of the flood plain and equity issues.

Twenty-seven million dollars would be spent on natural protection from flooding through floodplain restoration and resilience projects to slow and store floodwater and improve flood safety outcomes.

Oversight of these bonds will come from an independent community oversight committee via annual reports and from an independent public accounting firm that will perform annual audits. An elected board of directors will oversee projects funded by these bonds, including managing annual budgets.

The owner of a home assessed at $246,712 would pay approximately $2.19 per month, or $26.27 annually. This is the average assessed home value in the district, according to the Multnomah County Assessor.

For

• The bond funds are needed to reduce serious flood hazards that endanger important parts of our community.
• Much of the flood control system is over 100 years old and is inadequate to protect the extensive development that has occurred over that time.
• Climate change has also increased the number of extreme weather events, and therefore, the risks.

Against

As of April 2, 2024, there was no known public
opposition to this measure.

Question: Shall Zoo protect animal health; save water, energy; provide conservation, youth education; issue bonds estimated not to increase tax rate?

Financial Impact: The measure is a renewal of a previous bond passed in 2008. It is not estimated to increase tax rates. The estimated property tax rate from this bond is about 8.5 cents per$1,000 of assessed value to the tax bills of people living in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. In total, the measure could raise $380 million.

Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real market value (RMV), which is the market price of the home.

Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If the measure is passed, it would fund a second phase of continued improvements to the zoo, focused on areas including animal well-being, inspiring educational experiences, and infrastructure health. Some proposed investments include replacing outdated habitats for sea otters, penguins, giraffes and other species; increasing sustainability by reducing energy and water consumption; and improving accessibility for visitors through updates to key areas such as the zoo entry and pathways.

Probable Results of a No Vote: Without the additional funds provided by the bond, the Oregon Zoo would be unable to carry out the proposed projects listed in “Probable Results of a Yes Vote,” above.

Background: The Oregon Zoo was founded in 1888, and moved to its current location on the south end of Washington Park in 1959. An Oregon Zoo bond measure was first on the ballot in November 2008, and it was approved by nearly 60 percent of voters. In total, that measure raised $125 million to be spent on providing more space and improving the habitats of elephants, polar bears, chimpanzees, and other animals.

The 2008 bond resulted in improvements to about 40 percent of the zoo’s campus, with a strong track record of completing project plans on time and on budget. The Oregon Zoo Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee, in its 2020 annual report, outlined successes in the bond’s target areas. The report noted a focus on opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned enterprises. In total, $4.1 million in construction projects went to minority-owned businesses, $4.1 million to women-owned businesses, and $7 million to emerging small businesses.

The zoo is working on outlining all its priorities in a 20-year campus plan. The Metro Council approved the plan’s concepts in October 2023. After a review by the City of Portland, the plan will be presented to the Metro Council for final approval. This is expected to occur in the summer of 2024.

Bond investments are limited to physical infrastructure, such as buildings, facilities, pathways, plazas and significant landscaping. They cannot be used to support daily operations or staffing.

Summary: The following priorities will guide Phase 2 bond investments:

● Animal well-being: Enhance the lives of animals in the Zoo’s care.
● Inspiring educational experiences: Connecting community to the wonders of wildlife.
● Infrastructure health: Replace aging and/or failing infrastructure.
● Risk and readiness: High return on investment and project value.
● Strategic alignment: Alignment with conservation, financial sustainability, and staff experience.
● Community oversight: Inclusion of a community oversight committee.

For

• Over one million visitors come to the Oregon Zoo each year, but revenue from ticket sales and memberships aren’t enough to fund major improvements to infrastructure.
• The Zoo’s campus plan would guide the allocation of revenue from the proposed bond, including modernizing outdated habitats, supporting its conservation education programs, and improving accessibility. There would be no increase in current tax rates.
• The campus plan was created after significant community engagement with groups including visitors, community organizations, staff, and experts in animal care and well-being. It was also validated with input from landscape architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, mechanical/electrical plumbing engineers, sustainability consultants, cost estimators and community engagement consultants.
• The bond would advance equity through a commitment to increase access to the zoo for people of color and other historically marginalized people. In addition to discounted tickets and other programs to ensure that more visitors are able to access the zoo, the bond would fund expanded contracting opportunities for firms led by people of color.

Against

• The concept of a zoo is wrong – it is a prison for wild animals. Access to the internet, movies, and videos gives people the ability to view wild animals in their natural settings. The days of circuses and zoos are ebbing. Some animals are mistreated.
• The Zoo’s current 640-acre campus could be used for other constructive purposes. Our limited bonding capacity should be conserved for transformative infrastructure investments, such as high-speed rail.
• Previous bond funds provided to the Zoo have been mismanaged.
• The Zoo’s attendance has been declining, the Zoo’s costs have increased, and the Zoo will make future requests for additional funding.

Question: Shall Portland renew a four-year, 10 cents per gallon fuel tax for maintenance (paving, potholes) and safety (crossings, lighting, sidewalks)?

Financial Impact: The tax is estimated to raise $70.5 million over four years, beginning January 1, 2025. Positive financial impacts include performing earlier preventive maintenance, avoiding more costly future repair costs. Long-standing safety needs will reduce fatalities and injuries. New contracts will allow Portland to meet equity contracting goals. The Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT) will be a partner in the collection of the fees.

Probable Results of a Yes Vote: Portland’s 10 cents per gallon fuel tax will be renewed for another four years (January 2025 through the end of December 2029).

Probable Results of a No Vote: Portland’s 10 cents per gallon fuel tax will end on Dec. 31, 2024. Basic transportation improvements the tax would have funded will not be made by means of that tax.

Background: In 2016 (56% in support) and, again, in 2020 (77% in support), Portland voters approved a 10-cent-per-gallon fuel tax. The taxhas been used to repair and maintain streets and to make safety improvements. Such improvements include street repair, safe routes to schools, sidewalk completion, high crash corridor safety improvements, reducing bicycle/car conflicts, and intersection safety improvements. Spending from the program has been overseen by the Fixing Our Streets Oversight Committee, which is a Portland citizen oversight committee.

Summary: The tax raises funds for basic improvement of Portland city streets. The measure was placed on the ballot by the City of Portland. Accountability is provided by a citizens’ oversight committee. The Portland Bureau of Transportation estimates the tax, if renewed, will cost average Portland drivers with gas-powered vehicles about $2.50 per month.

For

• Street repair and maintenance will be allocated $23.5 million for paving, with programs focused on busy and neighborhood streets.
• Fund allocation for safety measures is suggested at $9 million for safety on busy streets, $6 million for safety on neighborhood streets, $6 million for safe routes to school projects and $2.5 million for additional safety measures.
• Community street services include $17 million for potholes, gravel streets, pavement base repair, signal and street light maintenance and $6.5 million for basic safety improvements, including
  intersection safety improvements and traffic calming.
• Without this tax, listed projects may be delayed or never completed.

Against

• There is a lack of community involvement in determining the projects that are funded by the tax.
• Some of the projects do not benefit drivers because a portion of the fund is for enhancing bike lanes.
• Electric car owners do not contribute to the fund.
• Oregonians have the fifth highest gas prices among
  all states.

Question: Shall the Portland Public School (PPS) District maintain teachers, classroom support staff; renew levy of $1.99 per $1,000 assessed value for five years beginning 2025? This measure renews current local option taxes.

Financial Impact: Levy rate remains $1.99 per $1,000 assessed property value, the same as the 2019 levy. The proposed levy will raise an estimated $101.5 million in 2025-2026; $103.0 million in 2026-2027; $106.0 million in 2027-2028; $109.3 million in 2028-2029; and $112.5 million in 2029-30. For a home at the current average assessed value of $275,706, the levy cost is $45.72 per month, or $548.65 per year.

Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real market value (RMV), which is the market price of the home. See explanation of “Property Taxes, Compression & Ballot Measures” on the LWVPDX website at https://lwvpdx.org/vote/property-taxes-compression-ballot-measures/.

Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If this measure passes, Portland Public Schools would be able to continue funding the teaching positions that have been in place since the current five-year period began in 2020. The number of positions funded each year is expected to be 660 teaching and classroom staff positions during the next five years. The rate per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value would remain the same at $1.99.

Probable Results of a No Vote: If this levy is rejected by voters, PPS could lose some or all of the 660 positions expected to be funded by the levy. If the levy fails, the rate of $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed valuation will no longer be charged to property owners.

Background: PPS has one of the largest annual budgets of any Multnomah County local government entity. Its last adopted budget (2023-2024) was $2.17 billion. This levy would be a renewal of an existing five-year local option levy which provides funding annually for approximately 660 teaching and classroom support positions in the Portland Public Schools. The previous levies were passed in 2019 (by 77 percent of the voters), 2014 (72 percent), and 2011 (58 percent). The levy rate has not been increased since at least 2011.

The Community Budget Review Committee, designated by the PPS board as the community body to perform the levy oversight function, found that all levy funds were being spent as approved by voters as of fiscal year 2022-2023. That is, the added teaching positions were helping maintain and lower class sizes that permit more individual attention for students, helping to support a well-rounded program, with enrichments for elementary and middle grades and electives in varied interest areas and disciplines for high school students, and providing funding equivalent to at least the 851 teaching positions initially projected.

According to the PPS District Notice of Measure Election for this levy, PPS currently serves over 44,000 students in 81 schools and other programs throughout the neighborhoods of Portland. PPS’s graduation rate of 84.5% remains above the statewide average, and has risen 26 percentage points since 2010. PPS is subject to regular independent financial and performance audits to monitor effective use of taxpayer resources.

● Continued investments are needed in our schools to continue to build career and technical programs, prevent class-size increases, and better support struggling students, especially coming out of the pandemic.
● The proposed levy renewal:
○ Funds teachers at every school in the District
■ Supports a well-rounded education, with enrichments for elementary and middle grades, and electives in varied interest areas for high school students.
■ Helps support career, technical, science, technology, engineering, and math programs, including computer science education, so students can graduate with the skills necessary to be career or college ready.
■ Provides academic supports, such as reading specialists for students working to recover from learning loss.
■ The levy is projected to fund teaching positions / classroom supports at every school in the district, approximately 660 positions annually over five years—nearly one-fifth of all teaching positions in the district.
○ Allows funding for other classroom support positions
■ The levy revenue could also fund other classroom support positions across the District, such as educational assistants, reading specialists, and special education certified personnel to help identify and support students with mental or behavioral health issues, academic issues, or other needs.
○ Continues to provide fiscal accountability and independent oversight
■ This local option requires independent community oversight so that tax dollars are used only for purposes approved by local voters; funds will be placed in a separate account to ensure their correct use and accurate reporting; no funds from this local option levy will be used for district administration.

Summary: Portland Public Schools’ local option levy was approved by voters in 2019 to provide funding for schools over five years. The renewed levy will provide an estimated $101.5 million in the first year, and is projected to fund approximately 660 teachers and classroom support staff annually over five years.

This renewed local option levy would fund teaching and other positions to:

● Support a well-rounded education, including career and technical programs and enrichments and electives, so students graduate with the skills they need to be career or college ready.
● Provide classroom supports, such as educational assistants and reading specialists for students struggling with academic or mental/behavioral health issues.
● Help maintain class sizes and prevent significant increases across the district.

For

• In serving the students of Portland, the district continuously strives to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer resources. Through many years of volatile budgets and the pandemic, school district leaders have worked to preserve classroom education and class sizes.
• PPS has advocated for a greater level of state investment by the Legislature and worked to ensure that dollars are spent well and focused on the classroom.
• The levy rate has not been increased since 2011.
• Losing nearly 20 percent of our educators would have a devastating effect on our kids.

Against

• PPS enrollment is down, and the number of PPS employees has risen.
• The graduation rate is inflated, as the state has lowered graduation requirements.
• Portland’s high taxes are already driving taxpayers/ revenue out of the county.
• Most PPS teachers will be making more than $100,000 a year.

Question: Shall Gresham improve fire, police, and public safety responsiveness with a five-year levy, $1.35/$1,000 assessed value, beginning July 1, 2024?

Financial Impact: The average cost of the levy on a Gresham home would be $25.65 per month ($307.80/year) based on an average assessed, not market, residence value of$228,000, beginning July 1, 2024.

Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real market value (RMV), which is the market price of the home. See explanation of “Property Taxes, Compression & Ballot Measures” on the LWVPDX website at https://lwvpdx.org/vote/property-taxes-compression-ballot-measures/.

Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If the levy passes, funding will be used for staff and services in the following departments: police and fire. This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.

Probable Results of a No Vote: If the levy fails, property owners’ tax rates will not change.

Background: According to information provided by the City of Gresham in proposing this levy:To meet the growing need and demand for additional fire and police services and to better serve and protect all Gresham residents, the City Council is asking voters to support a dedicated five-year levy to fund 13 new firefighters and 9 new police officers. If passed, voters will decide in five years whether or not to renew it.Gresham’s population has grown 19% over the past twenty years, while daily minimum firefighter staffing only increased 9%. Gresham has one less sworn police officer than twenty years ago.Over the same time, calls for fire service have increased 69% and shootings in Gresham have spiked 400% in recent years. The combination of rising need and fewer personnel means slower emergency response times and fewer patrol officers to prevent crimes.The current $15 per month Police, Fire and Parks fee only funds 9% of public safety services and is not enough to meet the growing demand for services. A dedicated levy will enhance fire and police protection and responsiveness. The levy will not replace the existing fee.An independent taxpayer committee will ensure oversight, accountability, and annual audits. Levy revenue will be placed in a dedicated and protected account overseen by a 7-member committee of Gresham residents. The committee will make annual reports to the City Council and levy spending will be audited each year. A dedicated levy will mean more neighborhood patrols to prevent, engage, and investigate drug related crimes and property and violent crimes that threaten community safety.

A similar proposed levy was defeated by a 51 percent “No” vote (476 votes) in May 2023 (Measure 26-239).

Summary: This levy will retain existing positions, fund 13 new firefighters and 9 new police officers. By law, the levy can only be used for police and fire services.

Estimated revenue from levy if adopted:

$12,100,000 in 2024/25
$12,450,000 in 2025/26
$12,800,000 in 2026/27
$13,200,000 in 2027/28
$13,600,000 in 2028/29

Five-year total: $64,150,000

For

• The demands on our first responders have increased as our community’s needs have increased. It is imperative that we begin to address our financial challenges and ensure our ability to keep our community safe.
• Even while higher taxes aren’t always welcome by property owners, spending money on public safety is pretty much as fundamental as it gets.

Against

As of April 2, 2024, there was no known public
opposition to this measure.