The Portland Water Bureau began work on the development of its Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget on October 17, 2012.  The bureau is excited to develop a budget that allows it to continue to provide good customer service and clean, safe drinking water to residents and businesses within the metropolitan area.

A Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) is working with Water Bureau Administrator David Shaff and bureau directors and managers to develop the annual budget per City of Portland guidelines. The bureau has brought together representatives of key stakeholders, including members of the community, Portland Utility Review Board, and labor representatives who work in the bureau.

Together, these members and staff review, discuss, deliberate and work to develop a consensus budget that balances the infrastructure and service needs of a 117-year old water system, complies with state and federal regulations relating to clean water, and is understanding of the continuing recessionary economic challenges facing residents and businesses throughout the service delivery area.

BAC meetings will continue through January 2013.  Generally there are two to three meetings per month, lasting two hours. The current scheduled dates are:

• November 13, 2012
• November 28, 2012
• December 5, 2012
• December 12, 2012
• December 19, 2012
• January 23, 2013

There may be follow-up meetings in February to review directives from the Office of Management & Finance and the Mayor's Office. 

BAC meetings are held in the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Fir Creek Room on the third floor.  All meetings are open to the public, and there is an opportunity for public comment.

For more information, contact Tim Hall, Community Involvement & Information Manager, at (503) 823-6926 or Tim.Hall@portlandoregon.gov. To view budget documents discussed at the BAC meetings, click here.

Lindsay Wochnick
Community Information and Involvement