08/2017 Mayor's Corner AUGUST 2017
Message from the Mayor
Levy and Bond Advisory Task Force Dives In
On July 20, we had the first meeting of our new Levy and Bond Advisory Task Force. This is
a group of Tigard residents and business owners who will advise the Council about future
funding for city services and facilities.
Theirs is no easy task. At their first meeting, these 18 volunteers (representing a wide-
range of interests and backgrounds in the Tigard community) got a briefing on the city's
budget; a history lesson about the effects of Oregon property tax measures 5, 47, and 50;
and a look at our future with the General Fund forecast. Going forward they will take a
deeper dive into Understanding City Finances (Aug. 17) and Community Priorities (Sept.
21). On Oct. 19, the task force will host an open house to listen to what you have to say
about city services and service levels.
These are serious topics, and the conversations, both within the task force and with other
Tigard residents, will undoubtedly be lively—which is exactly what we want. One of the
great things about dealing with hard issues like funding city services at a local level is that
we all have the opportunity to really listen to each other and take the time to understand all
sides.
By the way, all of the task force's meetings are open to the public—they are held on the
third Thursday of each month at City Hall at 6 p.m. If you cannot attend but want to stay
informed, and I sincerely hope you will, the task force presentations are available on the
city's website http://www.tigard-or.gov/funding future.
Tigard is privileged to have a strong and knowledgeable group of devoted volunteers
serving on our various boards, committees and commissions. They do a lot to help us
maintain the quality of life in our community. My respect and admiration for the people who
give their time and talents to help our city every day continues to grow.
My next "Fireside Chat with the Mayor" is on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at
Symposium Coffee, 12345 SW Main St.
My August quote of the month is by Jane Goodall, "What you do makes a difference, and
you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."