Portland City Council Work Session FY2026-27 Public Works #2 5/14/26

The Portland City Council held a work session on May 14, 2026, focusing on the FY2026-27 budgets for Public Works, including the Auditor's Office, Bureau of Environmental Services (BES), Water Bureau, and related utility rate discussions. The Auditor's Office presented a budget request totaling approximately $14.6 million with 45 FTEs, proposing cuts including the elimination of a performance auditor position and an administrative specialist, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining core services such as elections oversight and campaign finance enforcement. The Public Works bureaus outlined budget reductions totaling several million dollars, primarily through eliminating vacant positions and reducing contracted services, while prioritizing regulatory compliance and capital investments. The session also covered proposed utility rate increases of about 6.36% for combined water and sewer services, with projections of continued increases over the next several years to fund infrastructure and debt obligations. Council members discussed the impact of these cuts and rate increases on service levels and affordability, expressing interest in restoring some positions and exploring efficiency measures. Additionally, new and adjusted fees related to transportation development and parking were presented, including the elimination of an interagency agreement and introduction of new fees to better align with cost recovery. The meeting concluded with plans for upcoming budget and rate ordinance hearings.