Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon Permanent Tax Rate Limit
Question: Shall the District adopt permanent rate limit authorizing levy of up to $0.07 per $1000 assessed value, beginning fiscal year 2021-22?
Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District serves Central and Eastern Lane County. The District promotes voluntary efforts to improve water quality, protect drinking water, improve soil health for local food production, support forest health and fire resiliency, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and conserve natural areas. The District does not make or enforce regulations. The District is currently funded through short-term grants. The District has conducted a thorough assessment of unmet natural resource needs and asks voters to approve a permanent rate limit in which the maximum amount the District can levy is $0.07 per $1000 assessed value. By law this rate cannot be raised. If the maximum amount is levied, it will cost about $16 per year on a property value assessed at $231,000. The revenue generated will allow the District to enhance services in their current programs and fund new conservation efforts within the local community through projects for urban and rural residents.