A ballot measure allowing water ratepayer money to support limited public uses of Water Bureau properties was too close to call Tuesday.
Partial returns as of 11 p.m. showed Measure 26-219 with 52% “no” votes and 48% “yes” votes.
The measure would give the City Council power to allow or ban public uses on properties owned by the Water Bureau other than Bull Run Watershed lands, such as for neighborhood green spaces and community gardens. The measure would also allow the council to raise water rates to pay for associated costs, such as ensuring the facilities comply with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations and other laws.
City officials have cited Dodge Park and seven existing hydroparks -- green space built around water tanks -- as examples of what could be allowed on the city-owned properties outside the Bull Run watershed. Currently, the city can use only general fund dollars, not Water Bureau customer payments, for maintenance and upkeep not related to supplying customers with water. The city spends around $11,500 a year maintaining the hydroparks, city records show.
Opponents have argued that ratepayer money should be used only for projects related to providing water service and that the revenue could be misused otherwise, such as when the city used ratepayer money to build a house to demonstrate conservation. It cost the city nearly $1 million in construction, staff time and other fees.
-- Everton Bailey Jr; ebailey@oregonian.com | @EvertonBailey
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