Town Board Meeting – Budget Work Session — Minutes

Town of Oregon Town Board Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1. Call Town Board Meeting to order Town Board Chair Carl Walser called the meeting to order at 12:00pm on Wednesday October 22, 2025. 2. Roll Call Clerk Hanson called roll. Present: Carl Walser, Laurie Fitzgerald, Arlan Kay, Steve Jernegan and Tim LeBrun. Also Present: Clerk Jennifer Hanson and Treasurer Stephanie Goth. 3. Discussion and possible Approval re: Resolution No. 04-2025 Resolution In Favor of Exceeding Local Levy Limit for Charges Assessed by the Oregon Fire-EMS District (OAFED) LeBrun discussed the OAFED fund balance, noting that it exceeds the auditor’s recommended maximum fund balance of 30%. The board reviewed materials from joint meeting indicating that the fund balance exceeds 30% by $71,557. Members noted that the current resolution increases the levy burden on taxpayers. Clerk Hanson explained that the appropriate time to discuss the fund balance policy is during the joint district meetings. The board discussed overall fund balance, potential uses of the excess funds, and considerations related to the location of the fire station. The Town Board expressed concern about the unassigned fund balance being held without an approved plan for its use. The Town Board agreed to schedule a meeting to discuss the town’s multiple Fire and EMS districts. LeBrun reiterated his unease with the OAFED fund balance exceeding the auditor’s recommended range of 20-30%. Motion by LeBrun to approve Resolution No. 04-2025 Resolution In Favor of Exceeding Local Levy Limit for Charges Assessed by the Oregon Fire-EMS District (OAFED). Second by Kay. Motion carries 5-0. 4. Discussion and possible Action re: Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) Loan Application Request Form – Municipal General Obligation Loan Application for Kennedy Park Playground Equipment, Public Works Office Trailer and TORC Office Container. (Reconsideration of October 14, 2025, town board meeting.) Clerk Hanson presented multiple options for borrowing and explained the impact on property tax bills. The Town Board held a lengthy discussion regarding borrowing options, loan terms, public works equipment, audio/video equipment and the overall impact on property taxpayers. The Town Board expressed a desire to keep any tax increase near the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of 2.9%. Motion by LeBrun to authorize submission of the BCPL Loan Application Request Form for a municipal general obligation loan for the following purposes: Kennedy Park Equipment ($102,000), Raven Oaks Road Work Overage ($53,000), and Public Works Office Trailer ($75,000) for total loan amount of $230,000 and loan term of five (5) years. Second by Fitzgerald. Motion carries 5-0. 5. Discussion and possible Action re: possible one year loan to cover fire/EMS capital equipment in 2026 budget The Town Board reviewed short-term loans and long-term borrowing options under agenda item 4. Motion by LeBrun to authorize borrowing from Lake Ridge Bank for the following purposes: Oregon Town Board Meeting Minutes October 22, 2025 - Page 2 Fire-EMS District Capital Equipment ($40,134), Belleville Fire District Capital Equipment ($10,367), Public Works Equipment ($15,000), and TORC Container & Capital Building Outlay ($55,499) for total loan amount of $121,000 and loan term of one (1) year. Second by Jernegan. Motion carries 5-0. 6. Preparation of the 20256 Town Budget The Town Board reviewed the proposed 2026 budget. Clerk Hanson and Treasurer Goth presented two software options for agendas, meeting packets, and minutes management - Diligent and CivicPlus. Both options include video streaming capabilities and are estimated to cost approximately $14,000 per year. 7. Set additional budget meetings dates The town board will meet on Tuesday, October 28 at 1pm if the loan resolution is available. 8. Adjournment Motion by LeBrun to adjourn the September 15, 2025, at 4:50pm. Second by Fitzgerald. Motion carries 5-0. Respectfully Submitted, Jennifer Hanson, Clerk