May 18, 2026 City Council Regular Session

The City of Springfield, Oregon City Council held a regular session on May 18, 2026, which included several procurement-related discussions. The council approved the fiscal year 2026-2027 regional wastewater program budget and capital improvement program (CIP) presented by the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC), with an operating budget of $29.5 million and a 7.3% rate increase. The CIP budget was set at $42 million to support ongoing infrastructure projects. Additionally, the council conducted public hearings on wastewater and stormwater user fees for fiscal year 2026-2027, ultimately adopting the proposed rates despite some council members expressing reservations about the increases. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a quasi-judicial hearing regarding the annexation of two vacant lots on International Way to facilitate the development of a $37 million behavioral health campus, including a psychiatric hospital and a crisis stabilization center. The annexation discussion involved extensive testimony from healthcare providers, law enforcement, community members, and legal representatives, highlighting the urgent community need for expanded mental health services and the economic benefits of the project. The council decided to continue the annexation hearing to June 1, 2026, to allow further review and response to submitted materials. No final decision on the annexation was made during this session.