Newberg City Council Meeting - May 18, 2026

The City of Newberg held a council meeting on May 18, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. Key procurement highlights included the presentation by Waste Management on their annual service report, rate adjustments, and upcoming site improvements at the transfer station, including adding inbound and outbound lanes to improve traffic flow. Waste Management requested a 3.74% rate increase effective July 1, 2026, which would be considered alongside the existing 8.6% increase from the previous year. The council also reviewed updates to the city's master fee schedule, including adjustments to system development charges and public safety fees, with a public hearing scheduled for final approval. Additionally, the council discussed potential new revenue sources for street improvements, including the possibility of a local gas tax and local improvement districts (LIDs) to fund paving gravel roads, but consensus was to delay any new tax proposals due to current economic conditions. Public comments raised concerns about transparency in public records fees and website usability, as well as the financial impact of proposed rate increases and taxes. The council unanimously approved an ordinance amending street closure and right-of-way regulations and planned further outreach and strategic planning for infrastructure funding.