Oregon City Water Rates
In May 1996, Oregon City voters approved a City Charter amendment that rolled back water rates to 1994 levels. The roll-back was set to take effect in 2014, threatening the City’s ability to provide adequate drinking water service to the community. Barney & Worth facilitated a citizen stakeholder committee charged with providing a recommendation for sending a charter amendment to a vote of the community to eliminate the water rate rollback provision. Barney & Worth also conducted public opinion research (with DHM Research) and developed a communications plan for reaching customers and key stakeholders through public meetings, informational flyers, and website materials. The citizen stakeholder group recommended moving forward with a public vote, and in May 2013 the City Charter amendment was successfully passed by voters.