May 16, 2023 Special 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) has been filed with the City Recorder.

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

CAPTION:     Change compensation for City of Ashland Mayor and City Councilors.

QUESTION: Shall compensation for positions of City of Ashland Mayor and City Councilors change to $900 each monthly?

SUMMARY: Under the Ashland City Charter, the Mayor and City Councilor positions’ annual compensation is $500 and $350 respectively for their work on behalf of the citizens of Ashland.  These compensation amounts were adopted in the City Charter in 1954.  The current City Charter requires any change to the Mayor and City Councilors compensation “shall be submitted to the vote of the people” of Ashland.

A “Yes” vote changes the Mayor’s and Councilors compensation to $900 for each position monthly for preparing for and participating in City Council meetings; completing Council liaison assignments with City committees, commissions, and external organizations; representing the City at other public meetings or community events; and undertaking other tasks required to fulfill their duties as Elective Officers of the City.

A “No” vote means the City of Ashland’s Mayor’s and City Councilors’ annual compensation will not change from the current annual amounts of $500 and $350 respectively.

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, February 28, 2023.  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).

Melissa Huhtala, City Recorder