Consultants told the council a package of rate changes over the next five years — roughly 8.7% annual revenue increases for water and 11.3% for wastewater in early years — would be needed to cover capital projects, maintain reserves, and absorb ongoing litigation‑related charges tied to Lopez Lake; staff will return in January with Proposition 218 notices and outreach, including analysis of a low‑income rate.

Representative Ashley identifies litigation as primary cause behind rising insurance costs.

After hours of floor debate about consumer accountability and potential market impacts, the Oregon House failed to pass House Bill 4,098 A, which would have removed a long‑standing insurance exemption from the state's Unlawful Trade Practices Act.