Establishment of Septic Rates and Summary of the April Ione City Council Meeting

Ione City Council Meeting Summary – April 14, 2025

On April 14, 2025, the Ione City Council convened to discuss several key topics. The meeting focused on important items relevant to city operations and community interests. Council members reviewed and deliberated on each agenda item, ensuring thorough consideration and input from all present. The discussions were aimed at addressing ongoing city matters and planning for future initiatives.

Wastewater System Rates

The City Council set the rates for the new Wastewater system. They are as follows:

Residential Rates: $50.00
Business Rate: $50.00
Non-Profit Organizations: $50.00
Restaurants and Deli: $100.00
RV Parks: $10 per hookup
Manufactured Home Parks: $150.00 plus $10 per hookup

Invoices for the new Wastewater system rates will be issued directly to property owners. Renters will not receive these invoices, as the responsibility for payment rests with the individuals or entities listed as owners of the properties.

Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Report – March 2026

Scott Carter, Criminal Sergeant with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), presented the Council with activity statistics for March 2026. These figures reflect law enforcement efforts and community safety activities completed within the city during the month.

A total of 41 hours were dedicated to patrol duties, ensuring ongoing police presence and response throughout the city.
School Resource Officer services accounted for 6 hours. It was noted that Deputy Stutzman was on paternity leave during this period, resulting in reduced coverage.
There were 44 total incidents recorded, highlighting the range of calls and situations managed by MCSO personnel.
Additionally, 17 area checks were performed as part of the department’s proactive efforts to monitor and maintain safety throughout the community.

Development of Horseshoe Park

During the meeting, guests were updated on the ongoing development of Horseshoe Park. The City Council reiterated that the park is being prepared to serve as a Vendor’s Square, offering a designated area for vendors to operate and hold events. In addition, there are plans to include possible RV hookups as part of the park’s enhancements. It was noted that this decision regarding the park’s future use had already been made during a previous Council meeting.

Change Order No.13: Interest for Late Payments

Change Order #13 was presented to the City Council for approval. This change order specifically requested that the City of Ione pay interest on all late payments associated with project expenses. The need for this request stemmed from the government shutdown in 2025, which prevented LaDonn McElligott of USDA Rural Development from reviewing or signing payment requests. As a result, payments from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the State of Oregon were not processed within the standard net 30-day timeframe. Once funds were deposited in the City’s bank account, the City ensured prompt issuance and delivery of payments to SBI.

Change Order No. 14: Project Extension Request

Bill Ledbetter of Anderson Perry & Associates (AP) addressed the City Council regarding a request from Swaggert Brothers, Inc. (SBI) for additional time to complete their contracted project. SBI asked for an extension of the project’s timeline, assuring the Council that this would not result in any extra cost to the city. After considering the request, the Council approved an extension, allowing the contractor until July 1, 2026, to finish the project. However, the approval was contingent upon the contractor agreeing to cover AP’s fees incurred during the extended period and paving of streets will be completed.

Paving Contractor Update

Bill Ledbetter, representing Anderson Perry & Associates, will coordinate with Swaggert Brothers, Inc. (SBI) regarding the selection of paving contractors for the ongoing project. At present, it seems likely that SBI will engage a contractor different from the one initially proposed in their original bid. Should this change in contractor be confirmed, the City Council will be required to review and formally approve the updated contract.

Change Order #13 was submitted for approval. This change order requested that the City of Ione pay interest on all late payments. Unfortunately, because of the government shutdown in 2025, LaDonn McElligott, USDA Rural Development was unable to review or sign payment requests. Payments from DEQ and the State of Oregon requests for payment were paid to the City after the net 30 days. The city wrote and delivered the payments the day they were deposited in the City’s bank account.

Questions, Comments, or Concerns

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the details provided in this post or regarding items discussed during the meeting, please contact Elizabeth at either 541-422-7414 or 541-561-8116 for further information or clarification.