Multnomah County Online Voters' Guide May 2009 Special Election

Lusted Water District

Measure No. 26-104

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Barlow Water Tank elevated reservoir provides gravity-feed to the entire water district. Without the Barlow Tank in operation, water could not be provided to the 410 families in the district or to Sam Barlow High School.

The District’s Barlow Tank elevated reservoir was built in the 1930’s and moved to its current location in the 1950’s. Video inspection reports were provided to Compass Engineering and Lee Engineering to conduct a comprehensive study regarding the condition of the reservoir and the useful life of it. The study determined that the reservoir should be replaced before any failures occur. The structure does not meet current earthquake standards and poses safety issues. A comparison of costs by the District indicate that replacing the existing elevated reservoir rather than repairing it would save the District money over time.

Passage of the bond measure would provide funds to demolish and remove the existing elevated Barlow tank and construct and equip a new elevated water tank and pay fees associated with issuing the bonds.

The bonds would mature in twenty (20) years or less from the date of issuance and may be issued in one or more series. The estimated average annual cost of this bond would be $0.70 per $1000 of assessed value. The owner of a home assessed at $200,000 is estimated to pay $139.40 a year.