It’s July and summer is here (finally! Snow in June – what was that about?).
With the coming of hot weather, it’s an appropriate time to talk about water.
As you may know, Tigard is in the final stages of determining a long-range
water source. We have been in talks with the City of Lake Oswego for some
time, and if all goes well we will be signing an agreement in the near
future to form a partnership
to supply both our cities from the Clackamas River.
Water is one of our most precious and limited resources and is
often taken for granted. The Tigard Water Service Area provides for the
needs of about 50,000 people. During the summer, when water usage doubles
over the amount used in the winter, we can consume up to 13 million gallons
every day.
Tigard citizens are very water conscious, and have a great
track record of conserving water. But even with the abundant snow pack
last winter, we should all strive to be conservation-minded and only use
what we need. All Tigard water users will soon receive our annual
Consumer Confidence Report in the mail. It’s packed full of timely
and important information about the water Tigard provides to its
customers. Please take the time to review it. There’s also a wealth
of conservation tips and information available on
the City’s web site.
Message from the Mayor June 2008
Where does all the money go?
If you’re like me, often near the end of the month you find yourself asking that question. But do you ever wonder where all the City’s money goes?
The City’s Budget Committee, made up of the five city councilors and an equal number of private citizens, has been working with the City Manager and department heads to finalize next year’s budget, which will take effect July 1, 2008.
How much do we have to pay for water? How much can we afford to spend this year to repave and improve city streets? What about parks and open space?
The tentative budget will be coming before the City Council for presentation and final approval at our regular City Council meeting on June 10th at 7:30 p.m. Come down to City Hall to see in person, or tune in to cable channel 28 to see a live broadcast, and find out what the City Council plans to do with your tax money over the next 12 months.
Both the current budget and a summary of the tentative budget are available for viewing at City Hall or on the City’s web site.
Message from the Mayor May 2008
I’d like to take this opportunity to clear up any misconceptions regarding the city’s use of
eminent domain which may have been created by a recent news story in the Tigard Times.
Contrary to story’s headline, the City of Tigard will not be “seizing” anyone’s property,
now or at any time in the future. What the story was reacting to was the city’s
announcement that we will use eminent domain if necessary to purchase the additional
right-of-way needed to widen and improve Burnham Street.
All property owners impacted by the improvements will be compensated at fair
market value as determined by an independent appraisal. Authorizing the use of
eminent domain allows the city to move forward in an efficient manner with
property purchases and street construction, prevents a property owner from
holding up the process by refusing to negotiate or demanding an unreasonable
price for their property, and also gives the affected property owners certain
tax advantages when claiming the income from the sale of the property. All
these things save the city (and the taxpayer) money and help the project be
completed on schedule and on budget. When completed, Burnham Street will
provide an enhanced street environment with wide sidewalks on both sides,
“green” street features, on-street parking, landscaping and easy access to
Fanno Creek Park and the future plaza.
Catch Mayor Dirksen on CNN, Channel 45, to hear what's
planned to improve the drive on 99W, Urban Renewal progress, WES Commuter Rail
and more! Mayor Dirksen addresses Tigard's future as a Comcast Newsmaker.
