By Rebecca Wallis
Lafayette, OR – September 19, 2024
A recent statement made by Tom Reed, a candidate for Lafayette City Council, in the Yamhill County Voter’s Pamphlet has prompted a formal response from Lafayette Mayor Hilary Malcomson. Reed’s statement, which suggests that his proposed solution to the city’s water rate issues was implemented by the council, has been called “false and misleading” by the mayor.
In his pamphlet entry, Reed claimed, “I studied the situation, determined the error in the rates, met with the mayor, provided her with corrected information which was then implemented by council.” Mayor Malcomson firmly refutes this, stating that while Mr. Reed did present an idea during the public input portion of a council meeting in September 2023, his proposal was not adopted.
“Council minutes will show Mr. Reed presented verbally and self-initiated handing out a document during public input,” said Mayor Malcomson. She went on to clarify that Reed’s suggestion was to raise water rates by 20% across all tiers, a plan that received opposition during the meeting, particularly from the chair of the budget committee.
In contrast, it was Councilor Gilgan who proposed the solution that was ultimately adopted. His plan involved service charges specifically tied to the city’s debt, which would end once the debt was paid off, without raising rates for the current year. “The council approved and implemented the proposed solution presented by Councilor Gilgan,” Malcomson noted, pointing out that Reed’s proposal would have led to higher bills for most account holders and lacked a sunset clause.
Mayor Malcomson expressed concern that Reed’s claim not only misrepresents the facts but also fails to acknowledge Councilor Gilgan’s work on the issue. She further clarified that although she met with Reed before the council meeting, she informed him she would not endorse or bring his proposal to the council. “I would welcome anyone bringing forth an idea or information such as his,” Malcomson stated, but emphasized that Reed’s idea was not part of the final solution.
The mayor also addressed the potential for confusion in Reed’s statement, which she believes could imply that she supported or agreed with his idea. She reiterated that her role was to facilitate public input and that Reed’s idea was considered alongside others but ultimately rejected.
For those interested in reviewing the events, the minutes from the September 2023 meeting are available on the city’s website, and a video recording can be found on the City of Lafayette’s official YouTube channel.
This statement represents Mayor Malcomson’s views and does not speak for other councilors or the city as a whole.
The voters pamphlet can be found here.
For further inquiries, Mayor Malcomson can be reached at Hmalcomson@ci.lafayette.or.us or 503-864-2451.
Discover more from Yamhill County News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
