Pendleton’s water and sewer rates are out of control. When we ask why they are
 so high, they compare them to other towns to prove they are comparable. The
 problem is that all cities have discovered that they can charge anything they want 
and fund their general budget and retirement accounts without any voter or
 resident input.

In 1991-92, Measure 5 was passed to slow government. Tax assessed values
 were limited to 3% per year increases. In 1997, Measure 50 passed by referendum 
to again try to keep government under control. We need a statewide ballot
 measure to slow these hidden taxes.

Each city has different fixed costs and sinking funds to replace these systems
 when they need to be replaced. They should also be allowed a 3% to 5% 
maximum profit margin. These fees were never intended to fund governments’ 
other budget shortfalls. They were to fund affordable water and sewer rates to 
its residents. If cities had to prove its actual costs, I believe rates would go down 
by as much as 70%. The sinking fund money would have to be placed into a separate account monthly.

When Larry Anderson was running for city council, he said he would cut city spending. He never said where. In a town that is losing population and has very 
little growth, I have a few suggestions.

Do we need a full-time city attorney? Other cities hire one as 
needed. She never asked the planning commission or city council to 
consider my request to expand the downtown parking exemption area to
 allow for affordable housing. Did she inform the council that cities under 
25,000 population are exempt from ODOT’s transportation 
requirements? This city is going down the drain. ODOT is closing all the curb cuts and imposing unreasonable parking requirements. Look at the Interstate 
84/395 junction. There can be no accidents if no one can turn into a 
business.

Do we need a city building inspector? There is little growth and the
 state can easily provide what we need. We need affordable housing. They
 are now meeting behind closed doors. They have no idea how to provide 
it.

Do we need a city planner? To plan what? Affordable housing.

Do we need a city fire marshal? The state can easily provide us with
 what we need much more affordably.

Do we need a fire department with this many full-time employees?
 Other towns have a large volunteer force that only gets paid when they are
 needed.

Do we need a police department with this many full-time employees?
 We have the county sheriff’s office, state police headquarters and prison 
guards. We could also have a volunteer police force to be used when 
needed.

Do we need a city airport administrator? I’m sure you can add to
 this list.

Our ridiculous water and sewer rates are funding these unneeded 
jobs and their retirements. We simply have way more government than 
we need or can afford. We could easily get by with half of these 
positions with qualified personnel. Why are we still paying these positions
 during this coronavirus pandemic?

Kalvin Garton

Pendleton