Oregon City Council last week approved placing four renewal levies on the November 8 ballot.

They include the renewal of a .5-mill levy for the fire department that would provide and maintain fire apparatus, appliances, buildings and sites; a .5-mill levy for the recreation department for recreation purposes; a 2.25-percent tax to retire bonds issued for such things as financing, operation and/or maintenance of the municipal water distribution system, transmission, supply, storage, pumping, filtration or purification facilities, payment of interest and to provide funds for the continued construction and maintenance of the sanitary sewage system, for additional capital improvements and general operating expenses of the city within the general fund, for refuse pickup and disposal, and for storm drainage improvements; and the renewal of the municipal income tax rate of 2.25 percent.

“With respect to the two half mill property tax renewals, it’s worth noting that the city has always declined to ask for a replacement levy, which would result in an increase in taxes,” said Councilman Jerry Peach. “The city has relied instead on the community’s support for a renewal of the level of taxes that have existed historically.”

Mayor Mike Seferian said none of the renewals would increase taxes.

“Sometimes I’ve seen people propose replacement levies as no new taxes, but in essence they are new taxes. These are certainly not new taxes, just an extension of the ones we have,” said Seferian.

“At these times, as you know, our revenue sources have been down,” continued Seferian. The city has been cutting costs by downsizing and through attrition, he said.

“We are hoping to lean towards our investment in the economic development foundation to attract new businesses, which we believe we have opportunities there,” said Seferian. “So there are times we hope to pick up some of the dollars and take advantage of the technology we took advantage of in the past. I hope to have a year where we are able to bring the budget in under budget, and not go into our reserves. If things go well, we hope we can come very close to doing that.”

“I think it’s wise that we’re not raising taxes considering the tough economic times our citizens are going through,” said Councilman Jim Seaman.

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