Sutherlin official concerned about future funding

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By Glen Beeby KPIC News

SUTHERLIN, Ore. -- Both of the measures in Sutherlin's election on Tuesday didn't pass, so what will that now mean for the city of Sutherlin?

The charter amendment will not be repealed and rates will not go up because voters said they didn't want it.

If a situation arose where the government mandates major infrastructure requirements and the voters don't pass the measure, it could cause a shortfall in funding.

City Manager Robb Corbett says the funding for the water treatment plant will not be affected by the vote. "The project is still moving forward. The way we collect fees to pay for these projects, that was really the issue."

Corbett said the measure was about how people would be charged for their water.

Customers are currently charged strictly on usage and the proposed rate would have charged a base fee and had a lower usage fee.

Putting certain rate measures to a public vote could present a problem for future projects. "The challenge will be that when the city sees a need that they have to meet with utilities fees that exceed the limitations the charter puts on us will have to go to a vote of the people," said Corbett.

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