Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cornelius public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in water utilities
Water Reservoir Assessment
The city manager will share an informational memo on the condition of the city's water reservoirs — key infrastructure for drinking water and fire protection.
South Cornelius Water & Sanitary Sewer Design
The council approved a $159,000 design contract with AKS Engineering for the South Cornelius water and sanitary sewer project — design is a small slice; the big cost comes at construction.
Water Reservoir Condition Assessment
A resident presented a 200-signature petition and evidence packet about peeling lead paint on the reservoir, which sits near a daycare, playground, and dog park. She's asking for temporary containment, independent soil testing, and a public cleanup timeline. Staff will respond June 15.
Comcast cable franchise renewal
After a roughly four-year renewal process, the city locked in a new 10-year Comcast cable franchise through June 2036, covering public education and government TV channels and network services.
Library Piping and HVAC Problems at Newest Building
The library, the city's newest building, has leak issues traced to a type of piping known for failures, plus an HVAC system the consultant says tends to fail before its expected life. The building is still under a ten-year warranty and the city is coordinating with its HOA on an investigation.
Sewer and Stormwater Rate Increases
Utility bills are going up July 1 — about 3.2% overall, or roughly $4.81 more per month for a typical customer. The city rejected Clean Water Services' 21% local sewer hike and plans a rate study this fall to make billing more transparent.
FY 2026-2027 Utility Rate Increases
CWS wrapped a new cost of service study showing local rates haven't covered local service costs, and small cities and unincorporated areas will see bigger local rate increases going forward. Regional rates rise 4% a year, projected through fiscal 2031 with reserves covering deficits until replenishment in 2032.
PGE rates, load growth, and grid resiliency
Portland General Electric briefed the council on rising electricity demand, a pending rate filing aimed at making data centers pay their own costs, and commitments to keep residential rate increases below inflation. The utility wants to partner with Cornelius on long-range planning for growth and emergency resiliency.