FILED IN THE CITY OF ASHLAND

May 19, 2026, Primary Election

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a ballot title meeting the requirements of section 1(2)(d), Article IV of the Oregon Constitution (one subject) have been filed with the City Recorder.

The ballot title has been prepared by the City Attorney and is as follows:

CAPTION: Requiring Voter Approval for New or Increased Fee or Tax

QUESTION: Should Ashland’s Charter be Amended to Require Voters Involvement and Approval for City of Ashland Utility Bill Fee or Tax?

SUMMARY:

A “Yes” vote amends the Ashland City Charter, Article IX, Special Powers of the Council, as follows:

Section 8: Fees and Taxes: The City Council by majority vote may propose new fees, taxes, or increase existing fees or taxes on a utility bill unrelated to the operation of the utilities.  Notwithstanding any other provision, no such fee, tax, or increase will be assessed, imposed, or collected until at least thirty (30) days following a positive vote to affirm by Ashland voters at the next regularly scheduled election.

This citizen-initiated petition would require voter approval before the City can implement new or increased utility fees or taxes unrelated to utility operations. The measure could delay or prevent new utility fees, which may affect the timing or provision of City services. State and federal taxes and fees are exempt. The practical or financial impacts of potential delays or disruptions have not been fully evaluated or detailed.

A ”No” vote retains existing City Charter language.

ANY ELECTOR DISSATISFIED WITH THE BALLOT TITLE may petition the Circuit Court seeking a different title and stating the reasons the title filed is insufficient, not concise or unfair.  Petition must name as respondent the City Attorney and must be filed no later than the 7th day after ballot title is filed with the City Recorder, July 28, 2025.  The court shall review the title and measure to be initiated or referred, hear arguments, if any, and certify to the city elections officer a title for the measure which meets the requirements of ORS 250.035.

AN ELECTOR FILING A PETITION shall notify the city elections officer in writing that the petition has been filed.  The notice shall be given NO LATER THAN 5 p.m. on the next business day following the day the petition is filed. ORS 250.296(2).                                         

For more information please contact:

City Recorder at [email protected]