Clackamas River Water to Form
Section 450 Water Authority
On February 14, 2005, the Clackamas River Water Board voted 4 -1 to accept the County's proposal to form a Section 450 Water Authority to be named The Clackamas River Water Authority.
When completed, the Water Authority will secure the boundaries of Clackamas River Water, provide for an independent elected Board of 5 or 7 members, and allow Clackamas River Water to move forward in its long-range planning for efficient delivery of domestic water to its ratepayers.
These were the major goals of the Clackamas River Water Board when they began this process, to achieve these results, almost a year ago.
It is currently unclear how long the formation process will take.
The Clackamas County Commissioners have on their agenda for Thursday, February 17th, the initial resolution required to move the process forward. Based upon presentations by the County in late January and barring challenges built into the organization process, the transfer to the authority could take place as soon as August/September or November/December of 2005 or maybe longer.
The statutes provide for preparation of boundaries, financial and service studies plus other details before a final County resolution completes the creation.
Part of the process includes mandated hearing notices, hearings, possible appeals (to Metro and/or the courts) and the possiblity of a remonstrance by at least 100 voters within the proposed authority boundaries for an election on the issue.
After all of those hurdles are crossed, there will be an election of Board members. This election could take place as early as September 2005. However, November of 2005 or March of 2006 are also available.
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