Budget Committee - 11/18

The City of Milwaukie, Oregon Budget Committee convened on November 18, 2024, to discuss various budgetary and capital improvement projects (CIP). Key procurement-related topics included updates on multiple infrastructure projects such as street paving, water line replacements, sewer reconfigurations, and stormwater management, with several projects planned to go out for bid in early 2025. The committee reviewed funding sources including federal grants, ARPA funds, and local transportation budgets. They also discussed the use of a best value bidding process for upcoming construction contracts. Additionally, the committee examined revenue strategies to address a projected general fund deficit, considering options like adjusting parking permit rates, imposing right-of-way license fees on non-city utilities, and potential new revenue streams such as photo red light and speed camera programs. The discussion included the need for voter approval for property tax increases and the equity implications of enforcement-based revenue. The committee also addressed missed payments related to an annexed property and plans to improve budget transparency through new software. No formal votes on contracts were recorded, but several action items were identified for further analysis and follow-up at future meetings.