5 Year Operating Levy for General Operations
Rivergrove Basics:
Incorporated in 1971 with ~300 residents to provide local control and avoid being annexed into the City of Lake Oswego with higher municipal taxes.
Today: ~575 residents
Population increase of 92%
Current Finances:
Rivergrove has no permanent property tax (Lake Oswego charges $4.97 per $1,000 Assessed value + additional fees).
Rivergrove Revenue comes from: Utility franchise fees, shared state taxes, planning permits, and occasional grants.
Prior to 2023, the City of Rivergrove did not report revenue or expenses related to planning and development costs. Since 2023, the City has properly reported all such revenue and expenses in compliance with Oregon budget law.
Why a new $0.50 per $1,000 levy (5-year property tax)?
Operational costs are rising faster than revenue.
Increasing state and federal regulations require more technical and legal expertise.
Existing revenue sources are no longer enough to keep up.
How much will the levy cost me?
At the proposed $0.50 rate, a property with an assessed value of $500,000 would pay approximately $250 a year.
In comparison, a property with an assessed value of $500,000 in the City of Lake Oswego pays approximately $2500 + addl fees.
Where would the new levy money be used?
Staff support (legal, planning, and engineering)
Maintenance of parks
Digitizing city records
Updating the city website
Bottom line: The City of Rivergove is asking citizens to maintain local control by authorizing a modest property tax to cover growing expenses without relying on unpredictable and declining funding sources.
Notice is hereby given that a ballot title for a measure has been filed with the City Recorder on February 10, 2026. Election to be conducted by mail.
An elector may file a petition for review of this ballot title in the County Circuit Court not later than the seventh business day after the filing of this title with the City Recorder (ORS 250.296) The deadline for filing a peitition for this ballot title is 5pm February 19, 2026
Caption:
Five-year local option levy for general operations
Question:
Shall the City of Rivergrove impose a $0.50 per $1,000 assessed value for five-years for general operations beginning 2026-27? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
Summary:
Revenue from this measure will support general city functions and help ensure that planning, engineering, and legal services are available when needed. These services enable informed decision-making, timely review, and compliance with state and local requirements. The measure will also support efficient city operations and improve the City of Rivergrove’ s ability to serve residents effectively and transparently. The requested rate will raise approximately $63,000 in fiscal year 2026 - 2027