City Forecast Recap: City looks to new year

     Though the city of Bend has had its fair share of challenges over the past year, city officials have embraced those challenges and are now looking towards the future and a new year. “The theme I want to stress is the city is strong and the fundamentals are still in good shape,” said Mayor Bruce Abernethy during Tuesday’s Bend Chamber City Forecast Breakfast.
     Some of the challenges the city faced during 2007 included the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion, the Hwy 97/Cooley Road project, Juniper Ridge, and a slow down in the local economy. Abernethy and Interim City Manager Eric King explained each of the issues, and how the city plans to move forward for 2008.
     One of the consistent messages in the forecast was the budget. The City Council received a report Monday night stating there is nearly a $20 million shortfall in the budget. This is due in part to the slow down of the economy, lawsuits relating to the mobile home park ordinance, Juniper Ridge, and turn over among senior staff.
      A large portion of the budget shortfall was due to the housing market. King pointed out permits in 2004 were at an all time high, however, in the years since then, permits have continued to fall dramatically. The revenue generated from permits is 40 to 50 percent less than projected.
     “We need to be cautious of our external environment,” said King. “The city faces some significant financial challenges. We know we need to make some changes and we will.”
      During 2008 the city will not only continue to focus on major issues like financial stability, Juniper Ridge, and the UGB expansion, but will also look towards generating community relations through partnerships and better communication.
     King stated the city is financially sound, it will look at different economic strategies, and the city will continue to manage high priority items like Juniper Ridge. “Overall, we need your help and we want the entire community behind us,” King said.
     If you would like to view the forecast presentation please visit the city’s Web site at www.ci.bend.or.us.

Top of Page

Future of Transit Update

     The members of the Future of Transit Committee are down to their last meeting. So far, the committee has come to grips with the issues of defining the service area, service level, and a possible funding option. 
     A poll of 300 most likely voter households indicates 52 percent support an expanded and locally funded transit district and system; though more than half of those who support the district are considered “soft” by the professional polling firm used to undertake the 10 minute interviews.
     It looks like the committee will recommend to the City Council that voters be given the opportunity to vote for establishing a separate transit district, similar to the Park and Library District format. The voters would also vote for a service area that could include not only the current Urban Growth Boundary, but also Deschutes River Woods, an expansion of the service level to include longer hours, and a new north-south route from Juniper Ridge to Deschutes River Woods. 
     To pay for this system and free up the $1.5 million the city is currently spending on transit, taxpayers would be asked to approve a property tax increase of $0.39 per $1,000 of assessed value, or for the typical home owner around $70 a year in increased property taxes. 
     The Chamber has requested information on what would the typical business property owner pay at the $0.39 per $1,000 rate. Look for this information in next week’s Weekly E-News. 

Information provided by Mike Schmidt, President and CEO of the Bend Chamber

Top of Page

Small businesses impacted by lower personal income growth

     According to LibertyBank’s Small Business Index for Oregon, small businesses will be impacted by consumers making less and spending less in 2008. “Less impressive employment creation during 2007, as well as sluggish job gains expected in 2008 and 2009, will lead to slower growth in Oregon’s total personal income,” the report stated.
     In February, the unemployment rate reached 5.5 percent which is higher than the 5.1 percent rate reached in 2007. Oregon’s Small Business Index reached 87.8 in February which is up from January’s 86.0. The report said, “A higher Oregon jobless rate is a positive contributor to the Index as it suggests a greater access to labor for small businesses.”
     Over the past 12 months, Oregon employment increased by 19,700 jobs which is up 1.2 percent. Nationally, 1.1 million jobs were added during 2007, which amounts to 91,000 jobs per month. This is the lowest number of job gains since 2003. 

Information provided by Liberty Bank Small Business Index for Oregon

Top of Page

County offers new communication system to citizens

     Deschutes County is working to increase communications with its local citizens by now offering the chance to receive County news notices at the same time local media receive them.
     Residents can sign up for the direct emails by sending an email with their name and the email addresses they want to receive notices to Anna Johnson, Public Communications Coordinator,  annaj@deschutes.org.
     The email addresses will be added to the County’s group list which regularly receives notices and will not be sold to any other entity.
     Addresses will be used for the sole purpose of communication between the County and it's residents. Once received, addresses become public property and are subject to public record requests.
     For more information about the frequency and types of news notices that may be sent, please call 330-4640

Top of Page

Response to Survey Question

     Last week members were asked what they thought was the most pressing issue facing businesses in Central Oregon. Below are just a few of the responses.
     “Expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary needs to include some light industrial land for service commercial type uses. We need this to grow our way back from the recession we are entering.
     “Not letting the local or national media talk us into a recession. Stay optimistic and spend locally.”
     “Traffic Congestion.”
     “The city should take care of safety and operational issues. They should run the city within its means.”

Top of Page

BPAC seeks nominations for Safe Sidewalk Awards

     The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is seeking nominations of businesses that kept their sidewalks clear of snow and ice this winter for the Safe Sidewalk Awards. The awards will be distributed this spring and winners will receive a certificate from the County and acknowledgement from their local Chamber.
     Each city in Deschutes County has codes to ensure public safety including sidewalks. Especially during the winter months, each city has ordinances relating to sidewalks being cleared after a storm event. Business or property owners must clear snow or ice from the sidewalk adjoining their property within six hours of daylight.
     The BPAC is an advisory committee of the Deschutes County Commission and seeks to improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Deschutes County.
     Nominations need to be sent before April 1, 2008 to: Deschutes County Planner, Cynthia Smidt at Cynthia_Smidt@co.deschutes.or.us. For more information about this award or BPAC, please visit: www.deschutes.org/cdd/bikeandped.

Top of Page

County Seeks One Volunteer to Fill Open Fair Board Seat

     Are you interested in joining the County Fair Board? The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners is currently looking for a citizen volunteer to fill an open position.
     Candidates may be interviewed in early April and will have a term that begins the day of appointment and expires December 31, 2010. The five-member Fair Board oversees the operation of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and advises Fair management on activities at the site.
     Applicants must reside in Deschutes County. Citizens who are interested in serving on the Fair Board should send a letter (by mail, email or hand delivery) explaining their interest and related experience by Monday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. to:

Deschutes County 
Administration Office
Attn: Anna Johnson
1300 NW Wall Street Ste. 200 (2^nd Floor)
Bend, OR 97701
annaj@deschutes.org

     For more information about the position, please call Dan Despotopulos at 548-2711. Please contact Anna Johnson at 330-4640 for additional information about the application process.

Top of Page

Survey Question

     Please take a moment to look at this week’s survey question. We encourage responses from members so we can better focus on their needs or ideas.
     “Should the Bend Chamber play a proactive role in the campaign to encourage voters to pass the establishment of a new transit district and a property tax increase of $0.39 per $1,000 in assessed value?”  Let Mike Schmidt know what you think by emailing him at mike@bendchamber.org.

Top of Page