EPUD Annexation Issue
Overview:
The Emerald PUD Board of Directors has been involved in discussions regarding an annexation process that would directly affect 708 homes in the EPUD District. These 708 homes are located in the EPUD service district, but not within the EPUD political district. That means they receive EPUD electricity and pay EPUD rates, but cannot vote on EPUD ballot issues or serve on the EPUD Board.
The question is: should EPUD incur the cost of the annexation to bring these homes into our political district? OR should we do nothing, which would cost nothing but would exclude these residents from the political process?
Survey Results:
In April, EPUD surveyed the 708 homes affected to see if they preferred to be annexed or not. Results of this survey were shared with the Board during the Tuesday, May 10 meeting. Of the survey results received, approximately 30% were in support of annexation and 70% were against annexation.
Based on those results, the Board issued no decisions about moving forward with a bulk annexation. Instead EPUD staff will continue to look for alternate solutions for those 30% who wish to be annexed.
History:
The political and service boundaries of the EPUD District are currently incongruous due, in part, to property development and line extensions in the District. This means 708 residences in our service district are NOT included in our political district. Residents in those homes receive electricity from EPUD, but are not allowed to vote on EPUD issues, or run for the EPUD Board of Directors.
How does this affect me?
If your residence is one of these 708 homes, this means you cannot vote on EPUD issues or run for an EPUD Board position. If you are not one of these 708 homes, you are not directly impacted except for the overall cost to EPUD (see below for more details). For details on the location of these homes, download the PDFs in the "related documents" sidebar on this page. (upper right-hand side)
What are the options?
- Move forward with the annexation of affected homes. The Board would vote to pass a resolution asking Lane County to call an election, which would allow the homes affected to vote their preference on this matter. If the majority voted in favor, they would then have the right to vote on EPUD issues and run for a position on the EPUD Board.
- Cancel all annexation efforts. Affected homes would remain ineligible to vote and run for an EPUD Board position.
How much will this cost?
The estimated cost for the annexation, including Lane County election costs, is $50,000. As with EPUD’s construction or system improvement costs, the annexation cost would be spread amongst all customers and absorbed as part of our general operating costs. A $50,000 expense costs EPUD customer-owners 15 cents per $100 billed for one year. It is less expensive to hold a single election for all affected customers than to respond individually to petitions to be annexed.
If I am brought into the EPUD political district, is there any risk to me?
No. EPUD’s bonded indebtedness is payable solely from revenues collected from customers, including customers residing outside of its political boundaries. EPUD has never assessed property taxes and will continue to rely solely on tax free revenue bonds as the source of its capital utility construction, acquisition and improvements.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
You are welcome to contact EPUD directly at 541-746-1583 or
customerservice@epud.org, or
contact your board member. You are also welcome to attend any of our
Board meetings to comment.