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Governor Kitzhaber Vetoes
House Bill 2463
What is House Bill 2463? And, why is it important to Beavercreek?
Excellent questions and ones your BCCP committee will try to answer in this month's BCCP Update article. But, first we need to describe what lead up to House Bill 2463.
As a result of over 3,000 acres in the Beavercreek area being included in Metro's Urban Growth Boundary Reserve, in March of 1998, your BCCP committee was given the directive from local citizens to bring the incorporation of Beavercreek as a city to election.
Before the BCCP could complete the necessary studies to determine the feasibility of incorporating as a city, the BCCP faced two challenges... Oregon Statute 221.031 and funding.
Oregon Statute 221.031 provides to any existing city within three miles of a proposed city the right to veto the proposed city's efforts. This veto right does not require a reason and can be exercised at any time. In other words, Oregon City has the right to stop Beavercreek's efforts to incorporate as a city at any time without reason or warning.
It will cost approximately $60,000 in order to complete a feasibitity study and bring to election the incorporation of Beavercreek as a city. The BCCP is in the process of securing the necessary funding through both public and private support; however, a resolution from the City of Oregon City Council in support of Beavercreek's efforts by waiving their right to veto is needed.
The BCCP met with the Oregon City Council in November of 1998 asking for their support. As of this writing, we have not been successful in securing a resolution from the Council.
The BCCP has worked diligently to educate and communicate with Beavercreek citizens and the political leaders that represent us. As a result, Representative Kurt Schrader drafted House Bill 2463 which revised Oregon Statute 221.031 by eliminating existing cities' veto right and replacing it with an arbitration and appeal process for issues arising from the incorporation of rural unincorporated areas.
House Bill 2463 passed both the House and Senate. After receiving the proper support and signatures, House Bill 2463 was presented to Governor Kitzhaber.
On July 23, 1999, Governor Kitzhaber vetoed House Bill 2463.
Though this was devastating news to the BCCP, we haven't given up. The Oregon City Council has kindly granted the BCCP an opportunity to again request support via a resolution.
The BCCP plans to secure the City of Oregon City's support, acquire necessary funding and continue to educate and communicate with you. If you have any questions, please call Tammy Stevens at 632-3552.
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