ORS § 268.390 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.390
268.390 Planning for activities and areas with metropolitan impact
Status: in_force

(1) A district may define and apply a planning procedure that identifies and designates areas and activities having significant impact upon the orderly and responsible development of the metropolitan area, including, but not limited to, impact on:

(a) Air quality;

(b) Water quality; and

(c) Transportation.

(2) A district may prepare and adopt functional plans for those areas designated under subsection (1) of this section to control metropolitan area impact on air and water quality, transportation and other aspects of metropolitan area development the district may identify.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A district shall adopt an urban growth boundary for the district in compliance with applicable goals adopted under ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A. When a district includes land designated as urban reserve under ORS 197A.245 (Urban reserves) (1)(b) within an urban growth boundary pursuant to ORS 197A.355 (Priority of land to be included within Metro urban growth boundary) (1), the district is not required to consider the capability classification system or the cubic foot site class of the land as described in ORS 197A.355 (Priority of land to be included within Metro urban growth boundary) (2).

(b) Notwithstanding the procedural requirements for boundary changes under ORS 268.354 (Boundary change procedures) , when the district adopts an urban growth boundary, the urban growth boundary becomes the boundary of the district.

(4) A district may review the comprehensive plans adopted by the cities and counties within the district that affect areas designated by the district under subsection (1) of this section or the urban growth boundary adopted under subsection (3) of this section and recommend or require cities and counties, as it considers necessary, to make changes in any plan to ensure that the plan and any actions taken under the plan substantially comply with the district’s functional plans adopted under subsection (2) of this section and its urban growth boundary adopted under subsection (3) of this section.

(5) Pursuant to a regional framework plan, a district may adopt implementing ordinances that:

(a) Require local comprehensive plans and implementing regulations to substantially comply with the regional framework plan within two years after compliance acknowledgment.

(b) Require adjudication and determination by the district of the consistency of local comprehensive plans with the regional framework plan.

(c) Require each city and county within the jurisdiction of the district and making land use decisions concerning lands within the land use jurisdiction of the district to make those decisions consistent with the regional framework plan. The obligation to apply the regional framework plan to land use decisions shall not begin until one year after the regional framework plan is acknowledged as complying with the statewide land use planning goals adopted under ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A.

(d) Require changes in local land use standards and procedures if the district determines that changes are necessary to remedy a pattern or practice of decision-making inconsistent with the regional framework plan.

(6) A process established by the district to enforce the requirements of this section must provide:

(a) Notice of noncompliance to the city or county.

(b) Opportunity for the city or county to be heard.

(c) Entry of an order by the district explaining its findings, conclusions and enforcement remedies, if any.

(7) Enforcement remedies ordered under subsection (6) of this section may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Direct application of specified requirements of functional plans to land use decisions by the city or county;

(b) Withholding by the district of discretionary funds from the city or county; and

(c) Requesting an enforcement action pursuant to ORS 197.319 (Procedures prior to request of an enforcement order) to 197.335 (Order for compliance with goals) and withholding moneys pursuant to an enforcement order resulting from the enforcement action.

(8) An order issued under subsection (6) of this section:

(a) Must provide for relief from enforcement remedies upon action by the city or county that brings the comprehensive plan and implementing regulations into substantial compliance with the requirement.

(b) Is subject to review under ORS 197.830 (Review procedures) to 197.845 (Stay of decision being reviewed) as a land use decision.

(9) The regional framework plan, ordinances that implement the regional framework plan and any determination by the district of consistency with the regional framework plan are subject to review under ORS 197.274 (Review of Metro regional framework plan) . [1977 c.665 §18; 1979 c.402 §1; 1983 c.827 §53; 1985 c.565 §40; 1997 c.833 §16; 2007 c.176 §1; 2009 c.216 §3; 2009 c.497 §1]

Source: Section 268.390 — Planning for activities and areas with metropolitan impact; review of comprehensive plans; urban growth boundary; regional framework plans , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.580 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.580
266.580 Payment of bond principal and interest
Status: in_force

(1) The principal of and the interest on the bonds shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America at the office of the treasurer of the county or at the fiscal agency of the State of Oregon in the city of New York, at the option of the purchaser thereof.

(2) The county treasurer must cause to be paid out of any money in the hands of the county treasurer belonging to the district the interest on or principal of any bond issued pursuant to ORS 266.480 (Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes) promptly when and as the same becomes due at the place of payment designated in the coupons or bonds.

(3) All coupons or bonds so paid must be immediately reported to the district board.

(4) No county treasurer or district board shall pay to the purchaser of any bond issued pursuant to ORS 266.480 (Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes) or to any agency representing such purchaser, any commission whatsoever for collection of the interest on or principal of any bond so issued.

(5) The county treasurer shall not be required to remit to the purchaser of any bonds or coupons the amount necessary to redeem such bonds or coupons until the day they are due. [Amended by 1969 c.668 §31]

Source: Section 266.580 — Payment of bond principal and interest; payment of collection commission , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.394 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.394
267.394 Investment of certain funds held by TriMet
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapter 294 or ORS 295.001 (Definitions for ORS 295.001 to 295.108) to 295.108 (State Treasurer rules) , funds held in trust by TriMet, as defined in ORS 197A.500 (Definitions for ORS 197A.500 to 197A.521) , for the purpose of paying post-employment benefits other than pensions, and any funds necessary to pay the reasonable expenses of administering the trust, are not surplus funds for purposes of ORS 294.004 (Definitions) and may be invested in accordance with the standard of judgment and care for the investment of investment funds as set forth in ORS 293.726 (Standard of judgment and care in investments) . [2019 c.16 §2]

Source: Section 267.394 — Investment of certain funds held by TriMet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.720 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.720
261.720 Inventory and sale of district property
Status: in_force

The trustees shall proceed at once to take, or cause to be taken, an inventory of all property of the district, its assets and liabilities, and shall sell the same as a whole or any part thereof upon such terms and conditions as the trustees deem advisable.

Source: Section 261.720 — Inventory and sale of district property , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.460 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.460
266.460 District attorney to aid board
Status: in_force

The district board may call upon the district attorney for advice as to any district business. The district attorney shall give advice when called on therefor by the board. The board may at any time employ special counsel for any purpose. [Amended by 1969 c.668 §20; 1971 c.268 §14]

Source: Section 266.460 — District attorney to aid board; special counsel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.330 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.330
268.330 Powers when providing local aspects of service
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of a district charter:

(1) A district, to provide a local aspect of a public service, may take over facilities and functions of another public corporation, city or county, and may exercise powers of the corporation, city or county, in accordance with the agreement by which the district assumes the functions of the other corporation, city or county.

(2) For purposes of public transportation, a district may:

(a) Contract with the United States or with any county, city or state, or any of their departments or agencies, for the construction, preservation, improvement, operation or maintenance of any mass transit system.

(b) Build, construct, purchase, improve, operate and maintain, subject to other applicable provisions of law, all improvements, facilities or equipment necessary or desirable for the mass transit system of the district.

(c) Enter into contracts and employ agents, engineers, attorneys and other persons and fix their compensation.

(d) Fix and collect charges for the use of the transit system and other district facilities.

(e) Construct, acquire, maintain and operate passenger terminal facilities and motor vehicle parking facilities in connection with the mass transit system within or outside the district.

(f) Use a public thoroughfare in a manner mutually agreed to by the governing bodies of the district and of the thoroughfare or, if they cannot so agree upon how the district may use the thoroughfare, in a manner determined by an arbitrator appointed by the Governor.

(g) Do such other acts or things as may be necessary or convenient for the proper exercise of the powers granted to a district by this chapter.

(3) A district shall be entitled to tax refunds under ORS 319.831 (Refund of tax on fuel used in operation of vehicle over certain roads or private property) , as if the district were a city. [1969 c.700 §12; 1979 c.344 §3; 1983 c.740 §69; 1997 c.833 §11]

Source: Section 268.330 — Powers when providing local aspects of service; powers for public transportation; tax refunds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.330 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.330
267.330 General obligation bonds
Status: in_force

(1) To carry out any of the powers granted by ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) , a district, when authorized at any properly called election held for the purpose, may borrow money, and sell and dispose of general obligation bonds. Outstanding bonds shall never exceed in the aggregate two and one-half percent of the real market value of all taxable property within the district.

(2) The bonds shall be issued from time to time by the district board in behalf of the district as authorized by the electors thereof. The bonds shall mature serially within not to exceed 30 years from issue date. However, for an indebtedness to the federal government or this state, the district may issue one or more bonds of the denominations agreed upon. Bonds shall bear interest at a rate, payable semiannually, as the board shall determine. The bonds shall be so conditioned that the district shall promise and agree therein to pay to the bearer at a place named therein, the principal sum, with interest at the rate named therein, payable semiannually, in accordance with the tenor and terms of the interest coupons attached.

(3) For the purpose of additionally securing the payment of the principal and interest on general obligation bonds issued under this section, the district may by resolution of the board, which resolution shall constitute part of the contract with the holders of the bonds, pledge all or any part of the net revenue of the district. The district board may adopt such a resolution without submitting the question of the pledge to the electors of the district. [1969 c.643 §28; 1983 c.347 §19; 1991 c.459 §365]

Source: Section 267.330 — General obligation bonds; conditions; interest rate; payment of principal and interest; pledge of net revenue , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.005 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.005
261.005 Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known as the People’s Utility District Law.

Source: Section 261.005 — Short title , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.105 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.105
262.105 Taxation of agency property in same manner as private power corporations
Status: in_force

All property, real and personal, owned, used, operated or controlled by a joint operating agency for the transmission, production or furnishing of electric power or energy shall be assessed and taxed in the same manner and for the same purposes as similar property owned, used, operated or controlled by private corporations, other than electric cooperatives, for the purpose of furnishing electric power or energy to the public. The joint operating agency and its directors and officers shall be subject to the same requirements as are provided by law in respect to such assessment and taxation. All taxes so levied shall be payable by the joint operating agency out of its revenues as an expense of its operation. [1973 c.722 §11]

Source: Section 262.105 — Taxation of agency property in same manner as private power corporations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.590 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.590
268.590 Credit enhancement of district bonds and other obligations
Status: in_force

(1) As used in ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) :

(a) “Credit enhancement agreement” means the agreement pursuant to which a credit enhancement device is provided, given or issued.

(b) “Credit enhancement device” means any letter of credit, line of credit, municipal bond insurance or other device given or provided as security for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on revenue bonds or bond anticipation notes issued under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) or as security for the payment or performance of any of the district’s obligations under or with respect to such revenue bonds or bond anticipation notes.

(c) “Credit enhancement provider” means the person or entity providing or issuing a credit enhancement device.

(2) In connection with the issuance of revenue bonds or bond anticipation notes under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) , a district may arrange for a credit enhancement device to be given, issued or provided as security for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such revenue bonds or bond anticipation notes or as security for the payment or performance of the district’s obligations under or with respect thereto.

(3) A district may enter into a credit enhancement agreement with a credit enhancement provider setting forth the respective rights, duties and obligations of the district and the credit enhancement provider under or with respect to such credit enhancement device, which agreement may contain such terms, covenants and conditions as shall be approved by the governing body of the district and which are not inconsistent with the provisions of ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) .

(4) The obligations of the district under or with respect to any credit enhancement device or credit enhancement agreement shall not in any manner or to any extent be general obligations of the district nor a charge upon any other revenues or property of the district not specifically pledged thereto.

(5) In the ordinance authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds or bond anticipation notes under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) , the governing body may pledge as security for the payment or performance of the district’s obligations under or with respect to the related credit enhancement device or credit enhancement agreement all or any portion of the district’s revenues, regardless of the source from which derived, then existing or which thereafter come into existence. In addition, in such ordinance the governing body may pledge or mortgage as security for the payment or performance of its obligations under or with respect to such credit enhancement device or credit enhancement agreement any property of the district. Any such pledge or mortgage of revenues or other property may be on such terms as the governing body shall determine, including but not limited to a pledge or mortgage on a parity basis with the pledge or mortgage of such revenues or other property as security for revenue bonds or bond anticipation notes issued under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) or on a subordinated basis. In the ordinance creating such pledge or mortgage, the district may reserve the right to pledge or mortgage from time to time on a parity or subordinated basis all or any part of such pledged or mortgaged revenues or other property as security for the payment or performance of the district’s obligations under or with respect to any one or more series of revenue bonds or bond anticipation notes or credit enhancement device or credit enhancement agreement thereafter issued, given, provided or entered into by the district. [1987 c.623 §7]

Source: Section 268.590 — Credit enhancement of district bonds and other obligations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.345 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.345
268.345 Limitation on condemnation power for certain facilities
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any power of condemnation, the district shall not acquire existent major cultural, convention, exhibition, sports or entertainment facilities owned by a public or municipal corporation without the consent of the governing body of that corporation. [1977 c.782 §2]

Source: Section 268.345 — Limitation on condemnation power for certain facilities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.480 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.480
266.480 Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes
Status: in_force

A district has the power to contract a bonded indebtedness for the purpose of providing funds:

(1) To acquire land, rights of way, interests in land, buildings and equipment.

(2) To improve land and develop parks and recreation grounds.

(3) To construct, reconstruct, improve, repair and furnish buildings, gymnasiums, swimming pools, golf courses, driving ranges, boat marinas and recreational facilities of every kind.

(4) To acquire equipment of all types, including vehicular equipment necessary for and in the use, development and improvement of the lands and facilities of the district.

(5) To pay the costs, expenses and attorney fees incurred in the issue and sale of the bonds.

(6) To fund or refund outstanding indebtedness, or for any one or combination of any such purposes. [Amended by 1969 c.668 §22]

Source: Section 266.480 — Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.400 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.400
267.400 Authority to issue short-term obligations
Status: in_force

(1) A district may borrow moneys by issuing notes, warrants or other obligations:

(a) In anticipation of taxes or other revenues, including but not limited to grants awarded by the state or federal government; or

(b) To refund obligations authorized under this section.

(2) To secure obligations authorized under this section a district may:

(a) Pledge as primary security for the obligations the taxes and other revenues in anticipation of which the obligations are issued, including but not limited to grants from the state or federal government;

(b) Pledge as secondary security for the obligations the taxes and other revenues of the district other than those in anticipation of which the obligations are issued;

(c) Segregate any pledged funds in separate accounts which may be held by the district or third parties;

(d) Establish any reserves deemed necessary by the district for the payment of the obligations; and

(e) Adopt resolutions containing covenants and provisions for protection and security of the holders of obligations, which shall constitute enforceable contracts with such holders.

(3) Each issue of obligations authorized by this section:

(a) If issued in anticipation of taxes, shall not be issued prior to, and shall mature not later than the end of, the fiscal year in which the taxes are expected to be received;

(b) If issued in anticipation of other revenues, including grants for operating purposes from the state or federal government, shall not be issued more than one year prior to the time at which the district expects to receive the last installment of the revenues or grants in anticipation of which the obligations are issued, and shall mature not more than one year after the date of issue;

(c) If issued in anticipation of capital improvement grants from the state or federal government, shall not be issued more than 30 months prior to the time at which the district expects to receive the last installment of the capital improvement grant in anticipation of which the obligations are issued, and shall mature no later than 30 months after the date of issue or six months after the time at which the district expects to receive the last installment of the capital improvement grant in anticipation of which the obligations are issued, whichever is earlier;

(d) If issued in anticipation of taxes or revenues other than grants from the state or federal government, shall not be issued in an amount greater than 80 percent of the amount of taxes or such other revenues budgeted to be received by the district and in anticipation of which such obligations are issued; and

(e) If issued in anticipation of grants from the state or federal government, shall not be issued in an amount greater than 80 percent of the amount of such grants.

(4) Except as this section otherwise specifically provides, obligations authorized by this section may be in any form and contain any terms, including provisions for the varying of interest rates in accordance with any index, bankers’ loan rate or other standard. A district may issue and sell as part of a single offering obligations in anticipation of two or more grants from the state or federal government, in which event the obligations constituting a part of the offering shall be issued as separate series with one series corresponding to each grant in anticipation of which the obligations are issued. A district may only pledge as primary security for a series of obligations constituting part of a single offering the grant in anticipation of which such series is issued. For purposes of subsection (3) of this section, each series of obligations constituting part of a single offering shall be a separate issue of obligations.

(5) When the taxes or other revenues, including grants from the state or federal government, in anticipation of which the obligations authorized by this section are issued are not received by the district at such time or in such amounts as will enable the district to pay the obligations at maturity, the district shall, to the extent available, first apply to the payment of the obligations the taxes or other revenues in anticipation of which such obligations were issued, and the district may pay the balance owing under such obligations out of any other taxes or revenues available for such purpose.

(6) The district may contract with third parties to serve as issuing, paying and authenticating agents for any obligations authorized by this section.

(7) Obligations authorized by this section shall be issued as prescribed in ORS chapter 287A.

(8) Any pledge made pursuant to subsection (2) of this section shall be valid and binding from and after the date of issue of the obligations secured by such pledge and the taxes or other revenues pledged shall be immediately subject to the lien of such pledge without the physical delivery thereof, the filing of any notice or any further act. The lien of any pledge made pursuant to subsection (2) of this section shall be valid and binding against all persons having claims of any kind against the district whether in tort, contract or otherwise, irrespective of whether such persons have notice thereof.

(9) The district shall deposit, when received, a portion of the taxes or other revenues in anticipation of which the obligations authorized by this section are issued in a separate account. Deposits to the account shall be made according to a schedule which requires that not less than 100 percent of such taxes or other revenues received by the district after the estimated date of the district’s maximum cumulative cash flow deficit be placed in the account until sufficient amounts are in the account to pay principal and interest due on the obligations at maturity. The schedule shall be established by the district in its proceedings to issue the obligations. Moneys in the account shall be used only to pay principal and interest on the obligations, and may be pledged by the district for such purpose. [1983 c.323 §4; 1985 c.433 §1; 2007 c.783 §85]

Source: Section 267.400 — Authority to issue short-term obligations; conditions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.385 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.385
268.385 District as regional planning coordinator
Status: in_force

(1) For the purposes of ORS 195.025 (Regional coordination of planning activities) , the district formed under this chapter shall exercise within the district the review, advisory and coordinative functions assigned under ORS 195.025 (Regional coordination of planning activities) (1) to each county and city that is within the district.

(2) ORS 195.025 (Regional coordination of planning activities) (3) and (4) shall not apply to a district formed under this chapter. [1977 c.665 §19]

Source: Section 268.385 — District as regional planning coordinator , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.020 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.020
268.020 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “District” means a metropolitan service district established under this chapter.

(2) “District charter” means a home rule charter enacted by the electors of a district under section 14, Article XI, Oregon Constitution.

(3) “Metropolitan area” means that area which on October 4, 1997, lies within the boundaries of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties.

(4) “Improvement” means the facilities and other property constructed, erected or acquired by and to be used in the performance of services authorized to be performed by a district.

(5) “Metropolitan significance” means having major or significant district-wide impact.

(6) “Person” means a public body as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) , individual, corporation, partnership, association, firm, trust, estate or any other legal entity.

(7) “Regional framework plan” means the Metro regional framework plan defined in ORS 197.015 (Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A) and any district ordinances that implement the plan. [1969 c.700 §2; 1977 c.665 §2; 1979 c.531 §3; 1987 c.349 §1; 1997 c.833 §4; 2003 c.802 §97]

Source: Section 268.020 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.560 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.560
264.560 Permissible services
Status: in_force

A domestic water supply district may perform services related to the administration or operation of a corporation organized to supply water for domestic purposes, including maintenance, repair or replacement of infrastructure owned or operated by the corporation, pursuant to an agreement entered into by the domestic water supply district with:

(1) A cooperative corporation organized under ORS chapter 62 that supplies water for domestic purposes; or

(2) A mutual benefit corporation organized under ORS chapter 65 that supplies water for domestic purposes. [2015 c.107 §2]

EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Source: Section 264.560 — Permissible services; agreement required , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.317 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.317
268.317 Solid and liquid waste disposal powers
Status: in_force

For purposes of solid and liquid waste disposal, a district may:

(1) Build, construct, acquire, lease, improve, operate and maintain landfills, transfer facilities, resource recovery facilities and other improvements, facilities or equipment necessary or desirable for the solid and liquid waste disposal system of the district. Leases authorized by this section include lease-purchase agreements whereunder the district may acquire ownership of the leased property at a nominal price. Such leases and lease-purchase agreements may be for a term of up to 30 years.

(2) Sell, enter into short or long-term contracts, solicit bids, enter into direct negotiations, deal with brokers or use other methods of sale or disposal for the products or by-products of the district’s facilities.

(3) Require any person or class of persons who generate solid or liquid wastes to make use of the disposal, transfer or resource recovery sites or facilities of the district or disposal, transfer or resource recovery sites or facilities designated by the district.

(4) Require any person or class of persons who pick up, collect or transport solid or liquid wastes to make use of the disposal, transfer or resource recovery sites or facilities of the district or disposal, transfer or resource recovery sites or facilities designated by the district.

(5) Regulate, license, franchise and certify disposal, transfer and resource recovery sites or facilities; establish, maintain and amend rates charged by disposal, transfer and resource recovery sites or facilities; establish and collect license or franchise fees; and otherwise control and regulate the establishment and operation of all public or private disposal, transfer and resource recovery sites or facilities located within the district. Licenses or franchises granted by the district may be exclusive. Existing landfills authorized to accept food wastes which, on March 1, 1979, are either franchised by a county or owned by a city are exempt from the district’s franchising and rate regulation.

(6) Prescribe a procedure for the issuance, administration, renewal or denial of contracts, licenses or franchises granted under subsection (5) of this section.

(7) Regulate the service or services provided by contract, license or franchise and order modifications, additions or extensions to the equipment, facilities, plan or services as shall be in the public interest.

(8) Receive, accept, process, recycle, reuse and transport solid and liquid wastes. [1977 c.95 §3; 1979 c.531 §4]

Source: Section 268.317 — Solid and liquid waste disposal powers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.386 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.386
264.386 Abandonment of proceedings
Status: in_force

The district board may abandon proceedings for an improvement at any time prior to the final completion of the improvement. If liens have been assessed upon any property under ORS 264.362 (Initiation of proceedings) to 264.394 (Enforcement of assessment lien) , they shall be canceled, and any payments made on such assessments shall be refunded to the person paying the same, the assigns or legal representatives of the person. [1969 c.686 §15]

Source: Section 264.386 — Abandonment of proceedings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.153 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.153
267.153 Administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations
Status: in_force

(1) A mass transit district may, by ordinance, establish an administrative process to adjudicate ordinance violations as described in this section.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) An administrative process established under this section may be used only to adjudicate violations of ordinances that the mass transit district has elected to treat as Class A, B, C or D violations under ORS 153.025 (Authority of political subdivision to specify ordinance violation as particular level of violation) .

(b) The ordinance establishing the administrative process must describe with particularity the violations that are subject to the process. The ordinance may provide that the process applies to all violations described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, or any subset of such violations.

(3) A mass transit district that has established an administrative process under this section shall, when enforcing a violation that is subject to the process:

(a) Issue a citation as described in ORS 153.045 (Citation) ;

(b) Stay the filing of the complaint, abstract of court record or any other materials with a court for 90 days from the date of issuance of the citation;

(c) Provide for an appearance date in the summons, as described in ORS 153.051 (Summons) (1), that is no earlier than the date of expiration of the stay described in paragraph (b) of this subsection; and

(d) Cause the summons to be served on the person cited as described in ORS 153.042 (Citations generally) .

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The ordinance establishing an administrative process under this section may provide for administrative hearings for all violations or any subset of violations subject to the process.

(b) The ordinance must require any administrative hearing to be completed within 60 days of the date of issuance of the citation.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The ordinance establishing an administrative process under this section may provide for the assessment of a fine, payable to the mass transit district, for violations subject to the process. The fine may not exceed the maximum penalty that could be imposed for the violation under otherwise applicable law. The fine, if assessed, must be the exclusive penalty imposed for the violation.

(b) The ordinance may allow a person cited to perform community service in lieu of paying a fine.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A person cited successfully resolves a citation through the administrative process if:

(A) The mass transit district assesses a fine and the person pays the fine within the stay period described in subsection (3)(b) of this section;

(B) The person fully performs community service in lieu of paying a fine, according to standards established by the mass transit district, within the stay period described in subsection (3)(b) of this section; or

(C) The mass transit district, within the stay period described in subsection (3)(b) of this section, determines that the person did not commit the violation for which the person was cited or otherwise determines that no penalty should be assessed.

(b) If a person successfully resolves a citation through the administrative process, the mass transit district may not file the complaint or abstract of court record to any court or otherwise initiate court proceedings relating to the citation.

(c) If a person does not successfully resolve a citation through the administrative process, the mass transit district shall file the complaint and abstract of court record with the court pursuant to ORS 153.054 (Service and filing) .

(7) A person cited may, at any time during the stay period described in subsection (3)(b) of this section, request that the citation be filed with a court. The request may be made before, during or after an administrative process conducted under the authority of this section. Upon such request, the mass transit district shall cease the administrative process with respect to the citation and shall file the complaint and abstract of court record with the court pursuant to ORS 153.054 (Service and filing) .

(8) If a mass transit district stays a court filing as described in subsection (3)(b) of this section, the running of any applicable statutory time limitation for the commencement of a trial is tolled during the stay period. [2017 c.427 §2]

Note: 267.153 (Administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations) and 267.154 (Collection of data relating to administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations) were added to and made a part of ORS chapter 267 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.153 — Administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations; penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.364 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.364
264.364 Board action on report
Status: in_force

After the report has been filed with the secretary, the district board may by motion approve the report, modify the report and approve it as modified, require additional or different information for the improvement, or it may abandon the improvement. [1969 c.686 §3]

Source: Section 264.364 — Board action on report , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.250 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.250
264.250 Authority to borrow money and issue general obligation bonds
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of carrying into effect all or any powers granted by this chapter, the district, when authorized at any properly called election held for that purpose, may borrow money and sell and dispose of general obligation bonds. Except as otherwise provided by this section, the bonds shall never exceed in the aggregate two and one-half percent of the real market value of all taxable property within the boundaries of the district, computed in accordance with ORS 308.207 (Computation of real market value for taxing or bonding limitations) .

(2) The bonds shall be issued from time to time by the board of commissioners in behalf of the district as authorized by the electors. The bonds shall mature serially within not to exceed 30 years from issue date, and shall bear such rate of interest, payable semiannually, as the board shall determine. The bonds shall be so conditioned that the district agrees to pay to the bearer, at a place named, the principal sum of the bonds with interest at the rate named, payable semiannually in accordance with the tenor and terms of the interest coupons attached.

(3) If the district has within its boundaries a population of 300 or over, it may issue bonds in an amount that does not exceed in the aggregate 10 percent of the real market value referred to in subsection (1) of this section.

(4) For the purpose of providing additional security for the payment of the principal and interest on general obligation bonds issued under this section, the district may, by resolution of its board, pledge all or any part of the net revenue of its water system as provided in ORS chapter 287A. [Amended by 1963 c.9 §6; 1963 c.318 §1; 1969 c.666 §14; 1969 c.694 §4; 1971 c.36 §1; 1977 c.188 §2; 1981 c.94 §14; 1983 c.347 §18; 1991 c.459 §358; 2001 c.215 §2; 2003 c.802 §83; 2009 c.538 §1]

Source: Section 264.250 — Authority to borrow money and issue general obligation bonds; place of payment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.120 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.120
265.120 Special elections
Status: in_force

The directors at any regular meeting may call a special election of the electors of the district. [Amended by 1971 c.647 §51]

Source: Section 265.120 — Special elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.346 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.346
264.346 Violation of code or failure to remove hazards prohibited
Status: in_force

When a fire prevention code has been adopted as provided in ORS 264.342 (Adoption of fire prevention code) , no person shall violate the provisions of the code or fail to remove hazards found on inspection within the time set by the inspecting officer, after written notice to either the owner or occupant of such premises, or burn waste materials or trash in an unguarded manner without a permit, if a permit is required by the code. [1953 c.206 §3]

Source: Section 264.346 — Violation of code or failure to remove hazards prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.035 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.035
261.035 Effect of chapter on charter provisions of cities and acquisition of plants
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter modifies in any manner any charter provisions of any city, or prohibits any city from acquiring and operating its own plant. [Amended by 2003 c.802 §67]

Source: Section 261.035 — Effect of chapter on charter provisions of cities and acquisition of plants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.220 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.220
268.220 Employees’ rights when district assumes a function of another public corporation, city or county
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided by ORS 268.230 (District to protect employees’ rights when an operating public transportation system is acquired) , a district shall offer to employ every person who, on the date the district takes over a function of a public corporation, city or county in the district, is employed by the corporation, city or county to carry on the function. Where the district employs such a person, the employee shall remain an employee of the corporation, city or county for purposes of any pension or retirement plan the employee has been included in by the corporation, city or county and shall continue to have rights and benefits thereunder as if the person had remained an employee of the corporation, city or county, until the district provides a similar plan for its employees and the employee is included in the plan. Until the employee is so included, the district shall deduct from the compensation of the employee the amount the employee is required to pay under the plan of the corporation, city or county; shall pay that amount to the corporation, city or county, which shall credit the amount to the employee under the plan; and shall make whatever payments the plan calls for the employer to make. [1969 c.700 §30]

Source: Section 268.220 — Employees’ rights when district assumes a function of another public corporation, city or county , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.310 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.310
266.310 Officers of district
Status: in_force

(1) The officers of the district shall be a board of three or five members, to be elected by the electors of the district, and a secretary, to be appointed by the board.

(2) Every elector of a district is qualified to be a member of the board or officer of the district. [Amended by 1957 c.57 §2; 1969 c.668 §11; 1983 c.83 §42; 1983 c.350 §113]

Source: Section 266.310 — Officers of district; qualifications , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.055 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.055
262.055 Management of agency
Status: in_force

(1) A joint operating agency shall be managed and controlled by a board of directors. The city’s utility board, if there is one and if there is no such board, the legislative body of each member city and district shall appoint a representative to serve as a director on the board. However, if the joint operating agency has less than four members, each member shall appoint two representatives to serve as directors, each of whom shall cast one-half of the votes to which the member is entitled as provided by subsection (4) of this section. Each member may appoint one or more alternates to serve as a director in the absence or disability of a representative. Each representative and alternate shall serve at the pleasure of the legislative body of the appointing member, but no director shall serve following the withdrawal of the appointing member. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or city charter a member may appoint any of its officers and employees to serve as its representatives and alternates. A joint operating agency may provide reasonable compensation to its directors.

(2) Each director of a joint operating agency shall act as a representative of the appointing member and shall report to and be bound by the policy decisions of the utility board or legislative body thereof, as the case may be.

(3) The board of the joint operating agency shall adopt rules for calling and conducting its meetings and carrying out its business and shall adopt an official seal. All proceedings of the board shall be by motion or resolution, and shall be recorded in the minute book of the board which shall be a public record. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; however, no motion or resolution shall be adopted unless the directors voting are entitled to cast a majority of the votes of all members of the joint operating agency.

(4) At all meetings of the board, each member city and district shall have one vote by virtue of its membership. The board of directors of a joint operating agency shall provide by resolution for voting procedures which shall take into account the relative population of the members, together with their contributions to and energy purchases from the joint operating agency, and which shall provide that the interests of smaller members will be effectively represented.

(5) The board of directors shall elect a president, vice president and secretary, who shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The officers shall perform the duties delegated to them by the board.

(6) The board of directors shall appoint a treasurer, and may appoint such other officers, agents and employees as it considers appropriate and necessary to accomplish the purposes of the joint operating agency, and may provide for their compensation, and for the duties of such other officers, agents and employees. The board may appoint trustees, paying agents, depositories and similar agents within or without the State of Oregon.

(7) All meetings of the board of directors, except meetings on matters involving the management of employees, and other labor matters, shall be open to the public. [1973 c.722 §6]

Source: Section 262.055 — Management of agency; directors; officers; meetings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.610 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.610
261.610 Nature of proceeding
Status: in_force

(1) The proceedings shall be in the nature of a proceeding in rem, and the practice and procedure therein shall follow the practice and procedure of an action not triable by right to a jury, so far as consistent with the determination sought to be obtained, except as provided in ORS 261.605 (Testing validity of certain commission and board proceedings) to 261.635 (Procedure exclusive) .

(2) The jurisdiction of the district and of electors therein shall be obtained by publication of notice directed to the district, and to the electors individually. The notice shall be served on all parties in interest by publication thereof for at least once a week for three successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in the county where the proceeding is pending. Jurisdiction shall be complete within 10 days after the full publication of the notice as provided in this section.

(3) Any person interested may at any time before the expiration of such 10 days appear and contest the validity of the proceeding, or of any of the acts or things therein enumerated.

(4) The proceedings shall be speedily tried and judgment rendered declaring the matter so contested to be either valid or invalid.

(5) Any order or judgment in the course of the proceeding may be made and rendered by the judge of the circuit court in vacation. For the purpose of any such order or judgment, the court shall be deemed at all times in session and the act of the judge in making such order or judgment shall be the act of the court. [Amended by 1979 c.284 §126]

Source: Section 261.610 — Nature of proceeding; notice; appearance to contest; court determinations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.015 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.015
264.015 Application of ORS chapter 255
Status: in_force

(1) ORS chapter 255 governs the following:

(a) The nomination and election of commissioners.

(b) The conduct of district elections.

(2) The electors of a district may exercise the powers of the initiative and referendum regarding a district measure, in accordance with ORS 255.135 (Prospective petition) to 255.205 (Retention of petition materials) . [1983 c.350 §105]

Source: Section 264.015 — Application of ORS chapter 255 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.430 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.430
261.430 Board meetings
Status: in_force

(1) A majority of members of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of official business. The decision of a majority of the board shall be deemed to be the act or decision of the board. No vacancy of less than a majority of members of the board shall impair the right of the remaining board members to exercise all powers of the board.

(2) The board of directors shall adopt rules to govern its meetings.

(3) All legislative sessions of the board of directors, whether regular or special, shall be open to the public.

Source: Section 261.430 — Board meetings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.230 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.230
268.230 District to protect employees’ rights when an operating public transportation system is acquired
Status: in_force

When the district acquires an operating public transportation system, it shall make fair and equitable arrangements to protect the interests of employees and retired employees of the system. Such protective arrangements shall include, but shall not be limited to:

(1) Preservation of rights, privileges and benefits, including continuation of pension rights and payment of benefits, existing under collective bargaining agreements, or otherwise;

(2) Continuation of collective bargaining rights;

(3) Protection of individual employees against a worsening of their positions with respect to their employment; and

(4) Assurance of employment to persons employed by the mass transportation system acquired and priority of reemployment to persons previously employed. [1969 c.700 §29a]

Source: Section 268.230 — District to protect employees’ rights when an operating public transportation system is acquired , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.600 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.600
268.600 Issuance of revenue bonds
Status: in_force

For the purpose of carrying into effect all or any of the powers granted to metropolitan service districts, a district may from time to time issue and sell revenue bonds without the necessity of the electors of a district authorizing the bonds. Proceeds from the sale of such bonds may be used to cover the costs incurred in issuing such bonds, and preliminary work incident to carrying out such purposes and powers, including but not limited to planning, engineering, inspection, accounting, fiscal, legal and trustee expenses, the costs of issuance of bonds, engraving, printing, advertising and other similar expenses, and to pay interest on the outstanding bonds issued for any project during the period of actual construction and for such period thereafter as a district may determine, and to establish, maintain or increase any reserves for debt service on the bonds. Such revenue bonds shall not in any manner or to any extent be a general obligation of a district nor a charge upon any other revenues or property of a district not specifically pledged thereto. A district may issue revenue bonds pursuant to ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) for the purpose of financing landfills, transfer facilities, resource recovery facilities and other improvements, facilities and equipment necessary or desirable for the solid and liquid waste disposal system of the district regardless of whether such improvements, facilities or equipment are to be owned by the district or any other public or private agency or person and regardless of whether such improvements, facilities or equipment are to be located within or without the district. In connection with the issuance of revenue bonds to finance any such improvements, facilities or equipment which are to be owned by any other public or private agency or person, the district shall enter into a lease-purchase, installment sale or loan agreement with such public or private agency or person providing for lease-purchase, installment sale or loan payments which, together with other revenues pledged for the payment of such revenue bonds as provided in ORS 268.610 (Ordinance authorizing revenue bonds) , shall be sufficient to pay when due the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such revenue bonds. [1977 c.95 §9; 1987 c.623 §1]

Source: Section 268.600 — Issuance of revenue bonds; use of proceeds; status of bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.465 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.465
261.465 Board supervision and regulation of district utilities
Status: in_force

(1) The board shall supervise and regulate every utility owned, operated or owned and operated by the district, including the fixing and adjusting of rates, rentals, charges and classifications, contracts, practices and schedules, for or in connection with any service, product or commodity owned or controlled by the district.

(2) Rates so fixed shall be sufficient to accomplish the following purposes:

(a) For proper operation and maintenance of the property or facilities owned by the district.

(b) To pay all taxes which may be levied upon property owned by the district or which it may be required to pay out of its gross revenues.

(c) For payment of principal and interest of all bonds, warrants or obligations of any character in accordance with terms and provisions thereof respecting time, manner and amount of payment.

(d) For payment of any other indebtedness or obligations which the district may be obligated to pay.

(e) To establish and maintain any special funds which the district has obligated itself to create for the purpose of paying bond issues or other obligations.

Source: Section 261.465 — Board supervision and regulation of district utilities; fixing rates , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.380 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.380
261.380 Refunding district indebtedness
Status: in_force

(1) The power to refund indebtedness approved by the electors of the district is vested in the board of directors and may be exercised by adoption of a resolution providing therefor. It shall not be necessary for the board to submit the question of the proposed refunding to the electors of the district at an election or otherwise, but revenue bonds shall not be refunded into general obligation bonds, nor shall general obligation bonds be refunded into revenue bonds without approval of the electors of the district given at an election duly called and legally held therein.

(2) The issuance and sale of refunding bonds, the maturity dates and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the duties of the board with respect thereto, shall be governed by ORS 261.305 (General powers of district) and 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) to 261.375 (Election to authorize district bond issue) in so far as they are applicable. Bonds may be issued and sold to refund bonds issued pursuant to this chapter, including bonds outstanding on April 10, 1951, and to refund bonds issued for refunding purposes under authority of this chapter.

Source: Section 261.380 — Refunding district indebtedness , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.327 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.327
261.327 Acquisition of distribution facilities of private utility
Status: in_force

When a district acquires from an investor owned utility, by eminent domain or otherwise, facilities for the distribution of energy within an affected territory, the district shall compensate the owner of the facilities, in addition to any other amounts otherwise due, an amount equal to the replacement value of the investor owned utility’s unreimbursed investment in energy efficiency measures and installations within the affected territory. [1991 c.358 §7]

Source: Section 261.327 — Acquisition of distribution facilities of private utility; compensation for energy efficiency measures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.375 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.375
266.375 Manner of electing board members
Status: in_force

(1) The board members may be elected in one of the following methods or a combination thereof:

(a) Elected by the electors of zones as nearly equal in population as possible according to the latest federal census.

(b) Elected at large by position number by the electors of the district.

(2) Candidates for election from zones shall be nominated by electors of the zones. Candidates for election at large may be nominated by electors of zones or by electors of the district, as determined under subsection (3) of this section.

(3) Where the method selected under subsection (2) of this section includes a combination of nomination of candidates from zones and of nomination of candidates at large, the number of candidates to be nominated in each manner shall be specified in the petition submitted under ORS 266.110 (Petition for formation) or in the petition or resolution under ORS 266.380 (Changing manner of electing board members) . [1975 c.249 §2]

Source: Section 266.375 — Manner of electing board members , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.115 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.115
262.115 Construction of ORS 262.005 to 262.115 and 308.505
Status: in_force

ORS 262.005 (Definitions for ORS 262.015 to 262.105) to 262.115 (Construction of ORS 262.005 to 262.115 and 308.505) and 308.505 (Definitions for ORS 308.505 to 308.674) shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes. In the event that any portion of ORS 262.005 (Definitions for ORS 262.015 to 262.105) to 262.115 (Construction of ORS 262.005 to 262.115 and 308.505) and 308.505 (Definitions for ORS 308.505 to 308.674) is declared invalid or otherwise unenforceable by a court of record, the remaining provisions of ORS 262.005 (Definitions for ORS 262.015 to 262.105) to 262.115 (Construction of ORS 262.005 to 262.115 and 308.505) and 308.505 (Definitions for ORS 308.505 to 308.674) shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect. [1973 c.722 §13]

Source: Section 262.115 — Construction of ORS 262.005 to 262.115 and 308.505; severability , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.090 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.090
267.090 Directors
Status: in_force

(1) Board members of a mass transit district may not be elected at the time of formation, but if a district is formed, the Governor shall, within 60 days after receiving a certified copy of the formation order, appoint from subdistricts the members of the first board of directors of the district, designate one member as the temporary chairperson and fix the time and place of the organizational meeting.

(2) The board of directors of a mass transit district shall consist of seven members. One director shall be appointed from each of seven subdistricts. The Governor shall appoint as one of the directors a person who regularly uses the services provided by a mass transit system. Directors shall reside in the subdistrict from which they are respectively appointed. The subdistricts shall be as nearly equal in population as possible based on the latest federal census and shall be designed to ensure representation of the most populous city, other cities and unincorporated territory in the proposed district proportionate to their respective populations provided that if less than the entire district is taxed by the district, the subdistricts shall be wholly within the taxed area. The district or, if the taxed area is less than the entire district, the taxed area shall be divided into subdistricts initially, and after each succeeding federal census, by the Secretary of State.

(3) The term of office of a director is four years, but each director shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a director, the director’s successor shall be appointed. A director is eligible for reappointment. In case of a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall appoint a person to serve for the unexpired term. A director whose term has expired shall continue to serve until the appointment of a successor unless discharged by the Governor.

(4) All appointments of members of the board by the Governor are subject to confirmation by the Senate pursuant to Article III, section 4, of the Oregon Constitution. [Formerly 267.110; 2007 c.71 §80; 2018 c.4 §5]

Source: Section 267.090 — Directors; appointment; term; vacancies; Governor to fix time of first meeting , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.560 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.560
266.560 Redemption of bonds
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever the amount of any sinking fund created under ORS 266.430 (Sinking funds) equals the amount, principal and interest, of any bond then due or subject under the pleasure or option of the district to be paid or redeemed, the county treasurer of the county in which the district is located shall notify the holder of the bond and shall publish a notice in the newspaper published nearest to the district.

(2) The county treasurer shall, within 30 days from the date of the notice, redeem and pay any bond then redeemable and payable, giving priority according to the date of issuance numerically, upon presentation of the bond at the place of payment specified therein.

(3) In case any holder of such bonds fails to present them at the time mentioned in the notice the interest thereon shall cease, and the county treasurer shall thereafter pay only the amount of the bond and the interest accrued thereon up to the last day of the time of redemption mentioned in the notice.

(4) When any bonds are so redeemed or paid, the county treasurer shall cause them to be canceled and write across the face thereof “redeemed” and the date of redemption, and shall deliver them to the district board, taking its receipt therefor. [Amended by 1969 c.668 §30; 2023 c.173 §3]

Source: Section 266.560 — Redemption of bonds; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.220 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.220
264.220 Disposal of taxes levied when organization declared invalid
Status: in_force

When an attempt has been made to organize a district under the provisions of this chapter and subsequently by a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction it has been declared that the organization is invalid, but prior to such judgment the invalid organization has levied taxes, the funds derived from the levy shall be disposed of as follows:

(1) If the area embraced in the invalid organization is embraced in a subsequently created organization composed of unincorporated or incorporated territory, or combinations thereof, for the purpose of furnishing domestic water to the inhabitants thereof, the custodian of the taxes collected for the invalid organization shall turn them over to the subsequent organization to be used only for the purpose of furnishing domestic water to such inhabitants.

(2) If the subsequent organization does not embrace all territory embraced in the invalid organization, such taxes as have been collected from the levy upon property in areas not embraced in the subsequent organization shall be refunded to the payers thereof by the custodian of the taxes before the balance is turned over to the subsequent organization.

(3) If no such subsequent organization is created to provide domestic water for the inhabitants of such an area, within a period of two years after the entry of the judgment of invalidation, the taxes collected shall be refunded by the custodian of them to the taxpayers who paid them. [Amended by 2003 c.576 §409]

Source: Section 264.220 — Disposal of taxes levied when organization declared invalid , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.100 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.100
265.100 Organization of board
Status: in_force

(1) Within 10 days after issuance of their certificates of election, the directors elected as the first board of a district shall meet and organize by first taking and subscribing an oath of office to the effect that they will discharge faithfully the duties of their office to the best of their ability. They first shall determine by lot the length of term each shall hold.

(2) If the district has first elected a board of three directors, the term of one director shall expire on June 30 next following the first regular district election and the terms of two directors shall expire on June 30 next following the second regular district election.

(3) If the district has first elected a board of five directors, the term of two directors shall expire on June 30 next following the first regular district election and the terms of three directors shall expire on June 30 next following the second regular district election. [Amended by 1971 c.727 §90; 1973 c.796 §22; 1975 c.647 §26; 1983 c.350 §107; 2003 c.284 §2]

Source: Section 265.100 — Organization of board; terms of first directors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.615 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.615
261.615 Appeal to Court of Appeals
Status: in_force

Either party may appeal to the Court of Appeals at any time within 30 days after the rendering of the general judgment, which appeal must be heard and determined within three months from the time of taking such appeal. [Amended by 1979 c.562 §9; 2003 c.576 §408]

Source: Section 261.615 — Appeal to Court of Appeals , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.705 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.705
261.705 Authority to dissolve district
Status: in_force

Any people’s utility district which has not received voter authorization within five years of its formation election to issue bonds in an amount sufficient to acquire or build a system to provide service within its district may be dissolved whenever a majority vote of the electors of the district voting at an election for such purpose favors the dissolution. [Amended by 1987 c.824 §1]

Source: Section 261.705 — Authority to dissolve district; vote authorizing dissolution , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.257 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.257
267.257 Study of area proposed to be withdrawn
Status: in_force

(1) After receiving certification by a county clerk under ORS 267.255 (Hearing on petition) of a petition for withdrawal filed under ORS 267.253 (Petition for withdrawal from district) , the district board shall conduct a study of the affected area described in the petition. The district board may also conduct an overall study of several affected areas. The study shall consider:

(a) The extent to which residents of the affected area currently use the mass transit services and facilities of the district;

(b) The amount of district revenues raised within the affected area during the last three completed fiscal years of the district, separately identifying the amount of revenues derived from taxes imposed by the district and the amount of revenues derived from other sources;

(c) The history of the mass transit services provided to the affected area;

(d) Whether or when direct service will be provided to the affected area;

(e) The number of previous petitions filed under ORS 267.253 (Petition for withdrawal from district) with respect to the affected area or portions thereof; and

(f) The effect of withdrawal of the affected area on the district, including the extent to which taxes imposed by the district in the remaining portions of the district will be increased under ORS 267.260 (Withdrawal ordinance) as a result of the withdrawal of the affected area.

(2) After completion of the study conducted under subsection (1) of this section and the public hearing required under ORS 267.255 (Hearing on petition) , but not later than the December 31 next following the date on which the petition was filed with the district board, the district board shall adopt an ordinance withdrawing the affected area from the district or shall adopt a resolution denying the petition for withdrawal.

(3) Notwithstanding ORS 267.207 (Change of district boundaries) (3)(b), the district board shall approve withdrawal if:

(a) The district board finds that the use of the mass transit system of the district by residents of the affected area is less than or equal to 30 percent of the system-wide average weekday boarding rides per vehicle hour;

(b) The district board determines that direct service to the affected area is not planned for at least five years;

(c) The residents and businesses within the affected area have demonstrated that district fees and taxes have adversely affected employment, population or commercial activity within the affected area; and

(d) The district board has not received a petition signed by not less than 15 percent of the electors within the affected area seeking continuation of the district’s jurisdiction over the affected area.

(4) Notwithstanding ORS 267.207 (Change of district boundaries) (3)(b), the district board may withdraw the affected area from the district when the conditions of subsection (3) of this section are not satisfied if the board considers such withdrawal to be in the best interests of the district and the affected area.

(5) Any decision of the district board relating to withdrawal of an affected area under ORS 267.250 (Definitions for ORS 267.250 to 267.263) to 267.263 (Withdrawal of territory not subject to boundary commission review) may be reviewed by a circuit court under ORS 34.010 (Former writ of certiorari as writ of review) to 34.100 (Power of court on review) . [1987 c.799 §5]

Source: Section 267.257 — Study of area proposed to be withdrawn; approval or denial of withdrawal; judicial review , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.365 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.365
261.365 Bond requirements
Status: in_force

(1) All revenue bonds issued under ORS 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) shall contain a clause that they are payable solely from revenues derived by the district from its operations, remaining after paying from said revenues all expenses of operation and maintenance, including taxes.

(2) Such bonds may be issued from time to time, shall be of such denominations, and shall run for a period not exceeding 40 years, all as the board of directors may determine.

(3) Every issue of bonds shall be in serial form, with definite maturities, and shall mature in annual or semiannual installments. The first installment of principal shall fall due and be payable not later than five years, and the last installment not later than 40 years, after the date of issue. The combined installments of principal and interest due each year during such period shall be in such amounts as the board of directors may determine so as to permit maturity in accordance with anticipated revenues.

(4) All such bonds, at the discretion of the board of directors, shall contain provisions for call and redemption by the district of all or any part of the issue, at the option of the district, on any interest-paying date after the date of issuance, upon payment of the principal and accrued interest to the date of call.

(5) The bonds shall be signed on behalf of the district by its president or chairperson and be countersigned by its secretary. The seal of the district shall be affixed to each bond, but not to the coupon. The coupon, in lieu of being signed, may have printed thereon the facsimile signature of such officers.

(6) The bonds shall be payable at a place therein named, to their bearer or registered holder in the principal amount named therein, at maturity thereof, in lawful money of the United States, at the rate per annum therein named, payable semiannually on such dates as the board of directors may determine, in accordance with the tenor and terms of interest coupons thereto attached. [Amended by 1957 c.334 §3; 1969 c.76 §1; 1971 c.392 §1; 1981 c.94 §13]

Source: Section 261.365 — Bond requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.141 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.141
261.141 Formation, annexation or consolidation by resolution
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to the initiation of a people’s utility district formation, annexation or consolidation by electors’ petition:

(a) Formation of a district may be initiated by resolution of the governing body of each county in which territory of the proposed district is situated or, if a city proposes to create a district, by resolution of the city governing body;

(b) Annexation to an existing district may be initiated by resolution of the board of directors of that district; and

(c) Consolidation of two or more districts may be initiated by resolution of the board of each of the districts proposed to be consolidated.

(2) Resolutions authorized under this section shall describe the boundaries of the affected territory and, if for formation or consolidation of a district or districts, the name by which the proposed district is to be known. [1979 c.558 §11; 2003 c.802 §70]

Source: Section 261.141 — Formation, annexation or consolidation by resolution; contents of resolution , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.030 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.030
267.030 Use of alternative fuels for certain district vehicles
Status: in_force

(1) To the maximum extent possible, motor vehicles subject to the control of a district shall use alternative fuel for operation.

(2) To the extent that it is economically and technologically possible, all motor vehicles purchased or leased by the board of the district shall be capable of using alternative fuel. However, this subsection does not apply if the vehicle will be primarily used in an area that does not have and cannot reasonably be expected to establish an alternative fuel refueling station or if the district is unable to secure financing sufficient to cover additional costs resulting from the requirement of this subsection.

(3) Prior to July 1 of each year, the board of the district shall submit an annual report to the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Department of Energy. The report shall contain at a minimum:

(a) The number of purchases and leases of vehicles capable of using alternative fuel;

(b) The number of conversions of vehicles from the use of gasoline or diesel fuel to the use of alternative fuel;

(c) The quantity of each type of alternative fuel used; and

(d) Any other information required by the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Department of Energy to carry out their functions under subsection (4) of this section.

(4) If the Department of Environmental Quality and State Department of Energy determine that the use of alternative fuel required by this section has been effective in reducing total annual motor vehicle emissions in the district, the motor vehicles subject to the control of the board of the district shall be capable of using alternative fuel, to the maximum extent possible.

(5) The board of the district shall comply with all safety standards established by the United States Department of Transportation in the conversion, operation and maintenance of vehicles using alternative fuel.

(6) As used in this section, “alternative fuel” means any fuel determined by the Department of Environmental Quality to be less polluting than conventional gasoline, including but not necessarily limited to reformulated gasoline, low sulfur diesel fuel, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, methanol, ethanol, any fuel mixture containing at least 85 percent methanol or ethanol and electricity. [1991 c.730 §2; 2003 c.186 §12]

Source: Section 267.030 — Use of alternative fuels for certain district vehicles; exceptions; annual report; application to all district vehicles , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 263.240 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 263 / Section 263.240
263.240 General powers of commission
Status: in_force

A commission shall have all powers necessary to accomplish the purpose of providing sports and convention facilities for the people of Oregon including, without limitation, the power:

(1) To sue and be sued in its own name.

(2) To acquire by purchase, construction, exchange, gift, lease, lease-purchase, or otherwise, and to improve, extend, maintain, manage, operate, equip and furnish sports and convention facilities located within the corporate limits of the county in which the commission is created.

(3) To lease such sports and convention facilities to any private corporations which are operating or propose to operate a sports and convention facility upon such terms and conditions as the board of directors deems appropriate, to charge and collect rents and to terminate any such lease upon default of the lessee.

(4) To enter into options and agreements for the renewal or extension of such leases of such sports and convention facilities or for the conveyance of such sports and convention facilities.

(5) To lease, license or enter into agreements relating to the use of such sports and convention facilities and may fix, alter, charge and collect rentals, fees and charges for the use, occupancy and availability of all or a part of such sports and convention facilities.

(6) To sell, exchange, donate and convey any or all of its sports and convention facilities or other assets.

(7) To mortgage and pledge its assets, or any portion thereof, whether then owned or thereafter acquired, to pledge the revenues and receipts from such assets, to acquire, hold and dispose of mortgages and other similar documents relating to sports and convention facilities, and to arrange and provide for guaranty and other security agreements therefor.

(8) To enter into contracts, leases and other undertakings in its own name.

(9) To adopt and amend resolutions. [1985 c.654 §4]

Source: Section 263.240 — General powers of commission , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors263.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.370 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.370
266.370 Board as governing power
Status: in_force

(1) The park and recreation board is the governing power of the district and shall exercise all powers of the district.

(2) At its first meeting or as soon thereafter as may be practicable, the board shall choose one of its members as president and shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the board. In case of the absence, or inability to act, of the president or secretary, the board shall, by order entered upon the minutes, choose a president pro tempore, or secretary pro tempore, or both, as the case may be.

(3) The board shall hold meetings either in the day or evening, as may be necessary.

(4) The board shall fill any vacancy on the board as provided in ORS 198.320 (Filling of vacancies on governing bodies of certain districts) . [Amended by 1983 c.350 §119; 2011 c.292 §1]

Source: Section 266.370 — Board as governing power; president and secretary; meetings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.357 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.357
268.357 Authority to sell certain information
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of a district charter, a district may impose and collect reasonable fees based on market prices or competitive bids for geographic data that have commercial value and are an entire formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process, database or system developed with a significant expenditure of public funds. A district may enter into agreements with private persons or entities to assist with marketing such products. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, district software product programming source codes, object codes and geographic databases or systems are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under ORS 192.355 (Public records exempt from disclosure) . Nothing in this section authorizes a district to restrict access to public records through inclusion of such records in a geographic database or system. [1989 c.476 §2; 1997 c.833 §12]

Source: Section 268.357 — Authority to sell certain information; marketing agreements; confidentiality , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.010 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.010
266.010 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “County board” means county court or board of county commissioners of the county.

(2) “County” means the county in which the district, or the greater portion of the taxable assessed value of the district, is located.

(3) “District” means park and recreation district formed under this chapter.

(4) “District board” means the governing body of a district.

(5) “Owner” means the holder of record title to real property or the vendee under a land sale contract, if there is such a contract. [Subsection (2) (1967 Replacement Part) enacted as 1967 c.574 §2; 1969 c.668 §1; 1983 c.83 §41]

Source: Section 266.010 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.380 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.380
268.380 Land-use planning goals and activities
Status: in_force

(1) A district may:

(a) Adopt land-use planning goals and objectives for the district consistent with goals adopted under ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A;

(b) Review the comprehensive plans in effect on January 1, 1979, or subsequently adopted by the cities and counties within the district and recommend that cities and counties, as the district considers necessary, make changes in any plan to ensure that the plan conforms to the district’s metropolitan area goals and objectives and the statewide goals;

(c) Coordinate the land-use planning activities of that portion of the cities and counties within the district; and

(d) Coordinate its activities and the related activities of the cities and counties within the district with the land-use planning development activities of the federal government, other local governmental bodies situated within this state or within any other state and any agency of this state or another state.

(2) When a district is required by a district charter to adopt a regional framework plan, the regional framework plan shall include and be consistent with land use planning goals and objectives adopted by the district. [1977 c.665 §17; 1979 c.804 §11; 1997 c.833 §15; 2001 c.672 §8]

Source: Section 268.380 — Land-use planning goals and activities; coordination; review of local plans , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.352 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.352
264.352 Drainage work
Status: in_force

Any district may perform drainage work for the purpose of reclaiming real property located within the district, protecting real or personal property located within the district from the effects of water, promoting sanitation, providing for the public health, convenience and welfare or providing services of public utility or benefit. The district may use all applicable powers granted to it by this chapter, including the rights and powers of eminent domain, in performing the drainage work authorized by this section. [1959 c.381 §2; 1969 c.666 §27]

Source: Section 264.352 — Drainage work , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.990 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.990
268.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

Violation of any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted by a district is a Class C misdemeanor. [1969 c.700 §25; 2011 c.597 §175]

Source: Section 268.990 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.240 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.240
267.240 Accessibility of facilities and equipment to elderly persons and persons who have disabilities
Status: in_force

(1) In carrying out its duties under ORS 267.200 (Existence, status and general powers of districts) , the district shall provide, for persons who are elderly or have disabilities, a program of transportation that:

(a) Is devised in consultation with and after solicitation of the views of persons representative of the communities for which such transportation shall be provided; and

(b) Gives due regard to parity of service.

(2) In carrying out its duties under ORS 267.200 (Existence, status and general powers of districts) (4), the district shall cause its future facilities and new equipment to be of such types as to make such facilities and equipment accessible to, and usable by, persons who are elderly or have disabilities. However, contracts for equipment are exempt from this requirement until such equipment:

(a) Is available from not less than two manufacturers in mass producible quantities; and

(b) Conforms to designs approved by the Federal Transit Administration of the United States Department of Transportation as providing access to and being usable by persons who are elderly or have disabilities.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section or any other provision of the law of this state, a program for transportation of persons who are elderly or have disabilities shall be deemed to be in compliance with the laws of this state and rules promulgated thereunder if the program satisfies subsection (1) of this section and the federal regulations relating to transportation for persons who are elderly or have disabilities promulgated by the Federal Transit Administration of the United States Department of Transportation. [1974 c.50 §2; 1981 c.621 §1; 1989 c.224 §37; 1993 c.741 §23; 2007 c.70 §59]

Source: Section 267.240 — Accessibility of facilities and equipment to elderly persons and persons who have disabilities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.830 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.830
264.830 Employee contributions
Status: in_force

The district may collect, as a contribution from any employee, that percentage of the salary received by the employee which is necessary to fund on an actuarial reserve basis the cost of retirement benefits which the employee is required to provide pursuant to the provisions of a retirement plan. [1965 c.348 §4]

Source: Section 264.830 — Employee contributions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.125 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.125
267.125 Meetings of board
Status: in_force

The district board shall hold regular monthly meetings at a time and place fixed by the rules of the board. Special meetings may be held when called by the president of the board or when called by a majority of the members. However, five days’ notice of a special meeting shall be given by the secretary to each member not joining in the call. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. [1969 c.643 §7]

Source: Section 267.125 — Meetings of board; quorum , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.075 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.075
265.075 Changing number of members of board of directors
Status: in_force

(1) At a meeting of the board of directors of a cemetery maintenance district, the board may change the number of directors to be elected to the board by a motion approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the board.

(2) If the board votes to change the number of directors to be elected to the board, the board shall notify the county clerk of the county in which the petition to form the district was filed and the Secretary of State within 30 days of taking action.

(3) If the board votes to increase the number of directors from three to five, two new directors shall be elected at the next regular district election. The board shall specify the term of office of the new directors to maintain the election schedule for a five-member board as specified in ORS 265.100 (Organization of board) .

(4) If the board votes to decrease the number of directors from five to three, the board shall determine which director positions will be eliminated. A person serving as a director in a position to be eliminated may complete the person’s term. The director positions that are eliminated may not be placed on the ballot at a subsequent district election. [2003 c.284 §4]

Source: Section 265.075 — Changing number of members of board of directors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.360 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.360
261.360 Authority to issue general obligation bonds
Status: in_force

(1) When authorized by a majority of its electors voting at any primary election or general election or at a special election, at which special election not less than 25 percent of the electors of the district voted on the question, any district may issue and sell general obligation bonds so conditioned that the district shall therein and thereby unconditionally undertake, promise and agree to pay the same in whole or in part from revenue or from taxes or both.

(2) The general obligation bonds of the district outstanding at any time shall not exceed two and one-half percent (0.025) of the real market value of all taxable property within the limits of the district.

(3) General obligation bonds may be made payable primarily from and secured by a lien on and pledge of the revenues derived by the district from its operations remaining after paying from such revenues all expenses of operation and maintenance, and secondarily from taxes. [Amended by 1959 c.548 §2; 1967 c.293 §24; 1983 c.83 §35; 1987 c.267 §72; 1991 c.459 §356; 1993 c.18 §45; 1995 c.712 §98; 2003 c.14 §126]

Source: Section 261.360 — Authority to issue general obligation bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.060 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.060
268.060 Costs of elections
Status: in_force

(1) The cost of elections to nominate or elect elected officials of the district shall be paid by the district.

(2) When a district election is held on a district measure, the election shall be conducted under ORS chapter 255. [1977 c.665 §6a (enacted in lieu of 268.200); 1997 c.833 §6]

Source: Section 268.060 — Costs of elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.161 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.161
261.161 Hearing by county governing body
Status: in_force

(1) After certification of a petition, or passage of the resolution when the formation, annexation or consolidation proposal is by resolution of the county governing body, the county governing body shall, within 10 days, fix a date for a hearing on the boundaries described in the electors’ petition or resolution of the county governing body for inclusion in the proposed or established district. The hearing shall be held by the county governing body not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days after certification of the petition or passage of the resolution. Notice of the hearing, stating the time and place of the meeting, together with the electors’ petition, when applicable, without the signatures attached, shall be published at least two times prior to the date of the meeting. The first publication shall not be more than 25 days nor less than 15 days preceding the hearing and the last publication shall not be more than 14 days nor less than eight days preceding the hearing. Notice of the hearing, and all other publications required by this chapter, shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the proposed or established district. The hearing may be adjourned from time to time, but shall not exceed four weeks in total length. Public testimony shall be taken at the hearing.

(2) Based upon the record of the hearing prescribed in subsection (1) of this section on the proposed boundaries and, if district formation is proposed, the report of the Director of the State Department of Energy under ORS 261.151 (Hearing by Director of State Department of Energy on district formation) , the county governing body within 10 days of the last date of hearing shall determine the boundaries of the proposed or established district.

(3) No lands shall be included in the boundaries fixed by the governing body lying outside the boundaries described in the electors’ petition unless the owners of that land request inclusion in writing before the hearing under subsection (1) of this section is completed.

(4) An electors’ petition shall not be denied by a county governing body because of any deficiency in the description of the boundaries of the proposed district, but the county governing body shall correct those deficiencies. [1979 c.558 §13]

Source: Section 261.161 — Hearing by county governing body; notice; determination of boundaries , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.640 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.640
268.640 Sale of revenue bonds
Status: in_force

The governing body may from time to time sell revenue bonds authorized to be issued and sold pursuant to ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) at public or private sale, in the manner and at such price or prices as it shall determine. [1977 c.95 §13]

Source: Section 268.640 — Sale of revenue bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.351 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.351
268.351 Definitions for ORS 268.347 and 268.354
Status: in_force

(1) As used in ORS 268.347 (Boundary change within district and urban reserves) and 268.354 (Boundary change procedures) , “boundary change” means a major boundary change or a minor boundary change, as those terms are defined in ORS 199.415 (Definitions for ORS 199.410 to 199.534) .

(2) For the purpose of applying the definitions of “major boundary change” and “minor boundary change” to ORS 268.347 (Boundary change within district and urban reserves) and 268.354 (Boundary change procedures) , “district,” as used in those definitions, means a:

(a) Domestic water supply district organized under ORS chapter 264.

(b) Park and recreation district organized under ORS chapter 266.

(c) Metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268.

(d) Sanitary district organized under ORS 450.005 (Definitions for ORS 450.005 to 450.245) to 450.245 (Application of ORS 450.005 to 450.245 to districts organized under former laws) .

(e) Sanitary authority, water authority or joint water and sanitary authority organized under ORS 450.600 (Joint authorities) to 450.989 (Apportionment of cost among serviced property owners) .

(f) District formed under ORS 451.410 (Definitions for ORS 451.410 to 451.610) to 451.610 (Advisory committee for emergency communications system) to provide water or sanitary service. [1997 c.516 §9; 2005 c.22 §194; 2007 c.173 §2; 2011 c.26 §1]

Source: Section 268.351 — Definitions for ORS 268.347 and 268.354 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.065 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.065
262.065 Duties of agency treasurer
Status: in_force

(1) Except as permitted in ORS 262.085 (Authority to issue revenue obligations) , the treasurer shall be custodian of all funds of the joint operating agency and shall pay them out only by order of the board, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The board may delegate to the treasurer standing authority to make payments of routine expenses as defined by the board.

(3) Before the treasurer enters upon the treasurer’s duties, the treasurer shall give bond or an irrevocable letter of credit to the joint operating agency in an amount which the board finds by resolution will protect the agency against loss, conditioned for the faithful discharge of duties and further conditioned that all funds which the treasurer receives as treasurer will be faithfully kept and accounted for. Any letter of credit shall be issued by an insured institution, as defined in ORS 706.008 (Additional definitions for Bank Act) . The amount of the treasurer’s bond may be increased or decreased from time to time as the board may by resolution direct. The surety on any such bond shall be a corporate surety authorized to do business in this state. The premiums on the bond or the fee for issuing the letter of credit of the treasurer shall be paid by the joint operating agency.

(4) All moneys of the joint operating agency shall be deposited by the treasurer in depositories designated by the board of directors, with such security as may be prescribed by the board. The treasurer shall establish a general fund and such special funds as may be created by the board, to which the treasurer shall credit all funds of the joint operating agency as the board by motion or resolution may direct.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The board shall adopt the uniform system of accounts prescribed from time to time by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and require that accounting for receipts and disbursements for the joint operating agency be accomplished in accordance with the uniform system of accounts.

(b) The board shall file with the Director of the State Department of Energy an annual report in the form required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

(c) An annual audit shall be made in the manner provided in ORS 297.405 (Definitions for ORS 297.020, 297.230, 297.405 to 297.740 and 297.990) to 297.555 (Short title) . A copy of such audit shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State and in the office of the Director of the State Department of Energy.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The board of each joint operating agency may appoint a manager. The manager shall be appointed for such term and receive such salary as the board shall fix by resolution. Appointments and removals of the manager shall be by resolutions adopted by a majority vote.

(b) In case of absence or temporary disability of the manager, the board shall designate an acting manager.

(c) The manager shall be chief administrative officer of the joint operating agency, shall have control of the administrative functions of the joint operating agency and shall be responsible to the board for efficient administration of all affairs of the joint operating agency placed in the manager’s charge. The manager may attend meetings of the board and its committees and take part in discussion of any matters pertaining to the manager’s duties, but shall have no vote. The manager shall:

(A) Carry out orders of the board and see that all laws of this state pertaining to matters within the functions of the joint operating agency are duly enforced;

(B) Keep the board advised as to the financial condition and needs of the joint operating agency;

(C) Prepare an annual estimate for the ensuing fiscal year of the probable expenses of the joint operating agency, and recommend to the board what development work should be undertaken, and any extensions and additions which should be made during the ensuing fiscal year, with an estimate of the costs of such development work, extensions and additions;

(D) Certify to the board all bills, allowances and payrolls, including claims due contractors of public works;

(E) Recommend to the board appropriate salaries of the employees of the office, and scale of salaries or wages to be paid for different classes of service required by the joint operating agency;

(F) Hire and discharge clerks, laborers and other employees under the manager’s direction; and

(G) Perform such other duties as may be imposed by the board. [1973 c.722 §7; 1977 c.774 §17; 1979 c.286 §4; 1991 c.331 §51; 1997 c.631 §430; 2001 c.104 §80]

Source: Section 262.065 — Duties of agency treasurer; disposition of funds; accounting system; reports; audit; appointment and duties of agency manager , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.590 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.590
266.590 Validation of certain bond issues
Status: in_force

All proceedings taken prior to March 18, 1949, in the authorization and issuance of bonds by any district pursuant to ORS 266.480 (Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes) to 266.512 (Authority for general obligation bonds) and 266.530 (Registration and delivery of bonds) to 266.580 (Payment of bond principal and interest) hereby are validated, ratified, confirmed and approved, notwithstanding any defects and irregularities in the proceedings or any part thereof, and notwithstanding that the amount of the bonded indebtedness to be incurred was not stated upon the ballot used in the election authorizing the issuance of the bonds. [Amended by 1969 c.668 §32]

Source: Section 266.590 — Validation of certain bond issues , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.450 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.450
266.450 Regulations and orders adopted by board
Status: in_force

(1) Any general regulation of the district board shall be adopted in accordance with ORS 198.510 (Definitions for ORS 198.510 to 198.600) to 198.600 (Penalty for violation of regulations) .

(2) Orders not establishing a general regulation need not be published or posted, unless otherwise provided by this chapter, but shall be entered in the minutes, and the entry shall be signed by the secretary of the board. An ordinary order shall take effect upon the entry in the minutes.

(3) Violation of a regulation enacted under ORS 266.410 (General district powers) (7) is a misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed $100 or imprisonment not to exceed five days, or both. [Amended by 1969 c.668 §19; 1971 c.268 §13]

Source: Section 266.450 — Regulations and orders adopted by board; penalty for violating regulation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.270 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.270
264.270 Issuance of refunding bonds
Status: in_force

Refunding bonds of the same character and tenor as those replaced thereby may be issued pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the board of commissioners without submitting to the electors the question of authorizing the issuance of such bonds. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §16]

Source: Section 264.270 — Issuance of refunding bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.220 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.220
261.220 Mandamus to compel performance of its duties by county governing body
Status: in_force

If the county governing body refuses to call an election, or hold a hearing, as provided in this chapter, or refuses to declare the results of any election or issue the required proclamation, any elector may apply within 10 days after the refusal to the circuit court for the county in which the proposed district, or its greater portion, is located for a writ of mandamus to compel the county governing body to perform its duty. [Amended by 1975 c.647 §19; 1979 c.558 §18]

Source: Section 261.220 — Mandamus to compel performance of its duties by county governing body , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.517 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.517
267.517 Use of alternative fuels for certain district vehicles
Status: in_force

(1) To the maximum extent possible, motor vehicles subject to the control of a transportation district established under ORS 267.510 (Definitions for ORS 267.510 to 267.650) to 267.650 (Finance elections) having a city within the district with a population exceeding 30,000 shall use alternative fuel for operation.

(2) To the extent that it is economically and technologically possible, all motor vehicles purchased or leased by the board of the district shall be capable of using alternative fuel. However, this subsection does not apply if the vehicle will be primarily used in an area that does not have and cannot reasonably be expected to establish an alternative fuel refueling station or if the district is unable to secure financing sufficient to cover additional costs resulting from the requirement of this subsection.

(3) Prior to July 1 of each year, the board of the district shall submit an annual report to the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Department of Energy. The report shall contain at a minimum:

(a) The number of purchases and leases of vehicles capable of using alternative fuel;

(b) The number of conversions of vehicles from the use of gasoline or diesel fuel to the use of alternative fuel;

(c) The quantity of each type of alternative fuel used; and

(d) Any other information required by the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Department of Energy to carry out their functions under subsection (4) of this section.

(4) If the Department of Environmental Quality and State Department of Energy determine that the use of alternative fuel required by this section has been effective in reducing total annual motor vehicle emissions in the district, the motor vehicles subject to the control of the board of the district shall be capable of using alternative fuel, to the maximum extent possible.

(5) The board of the district shall comply with all safety standards established by the United States Department of Transportation in the conversion, operation and maintenance of vehicles using alternative fuel.

(6) As used in this section, “alternative fuel” means any fuel determined by the Department of Environmental Quality to be less polluting than conventional gasoline, including but not necessarily limited to reformulated gasoline, low sulfur diesel fuel, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, methanol, ethanol, any fuel mixture containing at least 85 percent methanol or ethanol and electricity. [1991 c.730 §4; 2003 c.186 §13]

Source: Section 267.517 — Use of alternative fuels for certain district vehicles; exceptions; annual report; application to all district vehicles , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.430 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.430
264.430 Proceedings of board
Status: in_force

(1) The board of commissioners shall hold meetings at such time and place within the district as it may determine. The board shall hold at least one regular meeting in each month on a day to be fixed by it, and may hold special meetings under such rules as it may make.

(2) The board shall, at the time of its organization, choose from the commissioners a president, a secretary and a treasurer, who shall hold their offices until the first regular meeting in January, or until their successors are elected and qualified. The officers shall have, respectively, the powers and shall perform the duties usual in such cases. A majority shall constitute a quorum to do business and, in the absence of the president, any other member may preside at a meeting.

(3) The board of commissioners may employ engineers, superintendents, mechanics, clerks or other persons as it may find requisite, necessary or convenient in carrying on any work of the district and at a rate of remuneration as it may consider just.

(4) The board may provide life insurance and retirement or pension plans for employees of a district, if the insurer issuing the policy is licensed to do business in the State of Oregon. [Amended by 1965 c.307 §1; 1969 c.344 §4; 1969 c.345 §4; 1969 c.666 §§32,66; 1971 c.403 §3]

Source: Section 264.430 — Proceedings of board; election of officers; employment of personnel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.540 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.540
264.540 Fire hydrants in city joined or annexed to district
Status: in_force

(1) If a city has been annexed to a district under ORS 198.866 (Annexation of city to district) and 198.867 (Approval of annexation to district by electors of city and district) or has been joined to a district under ORS 198.910 (Joint meeting of governing bodies of merged or consolidated districts and cities) , the city may designate the location and type of fire hydrants to be installed within the territory of the city. The board of commissioners shall establish the rates for the use of water therefrom as provided in ORS 264.330 (Hydrants for fire protection) . The city and the district may by contract determine the entire matter of installation of hydrants and use of water therefrom and payment therefor.

(2) The ownership of the water supply system within the city boundaries shall revert to and be vested in the district. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §59; 1971 c.727 §82; 1983 c.142 §13]

Source: Section 264.540 — Fire hydrants in city joined or annexed to district; reversion of water system in city to district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.260 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.260
264.260 Issuance of revenue bonds
Status: in_force

In addition to the authority to issue general obligation bonds, the district, when authorized at any properly called election, shall have the power to sell and dispose of revenue bonds, and to pledge as security therefor all or any part of the unobligated net revenue of the district or system, to purchase, acquire, lay out, construct, reconstruct, extend, enlarge or improve a water system, or to install hydrants for fire protection along its mains, or to perform any of those acts in combination, for the purpose of obtaining water for the domestic use of consumers, or for fire protection, or both, within or without the boundaries of the district. The revenue bonds shall be issued in the same manner and form as are general obligation bonds of the district, but they shall be payable, both as to principal and interest, from revenues only, as specified by this section. The revenue bonds shall not be subject to the percentage limitation applicable to general obligation bonds and shall not be a lien upon any of the taxable property within the boundaries of such district, but shall be payable solely from such part of the revenues of the district as remain after payment of obligations having a priority and of all expenses of operation and maintenance of the district, including any taxes levied against it. All revenue bonds shall contain a clause reciting that both the principal and interest are payable solely from operating revenues of the district remaining after paying such obligations and expenses. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §15; 2003 c.802 §84]

Source: Section 264.260 — Issuance of revenue bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.710 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.710
261.710 Call of election
Status: in_force

(1) The dissolution election may be called by the board of directors on their own motion or by a petition filed with the directors of the district, signed by electors of the district equal in number to not less than three percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for Governor in the district at the most recent election at which a candidate for Governor was elected to a full term, requesting the directors of the district to submit to the electors of the district the proposition of dissolving the district and settling its affairs.

(2) The petition shall be referred to the county clerk of each county wherein the district or any part thereof is located. The county clerk of each of such counties shall examine the purported signatures on the petition of electors of the county and shall certify as to the regularity and sufficiency thereof. Where the district is located in more than one county, the certificate of the county clerk of each county as to the regularity of the signatures on the petition shall be filed with the Secretary of State, who shall accept the certificates by the county clerks as to the regularity of the signatures, and based thereon, shall certify as to the sufficiency of all signatures on the petition. Whenever a dissolution petition has been certified as sufficient, the certificate of sufficiency with copy of the petition shall be transmitted to the directors of the district, who shall immediately call an election to be held concurrently with a primary election or general election.

(3) If a majority of the electors of the district, voting at the election, votes in favor of dissolution, the directors shall issue their proclamation dissolving the district and shall file the proclamation in the office of the county clerk of the county wherein the district is located.

(4) The district shall thereafter continue to exist solely for the purpose of settling its affairs as provided in ORS 261.715 (Directors as trustees) to 261.730 (Disposal of district books and records) . [Amended by 1973 c.796 §18; 1983 c.83 §37; 1989 c.174 §4; 1995 c.712 §99; 2003 c.14 §130]

Source: Section 261.710 — Call of election; effect of favorable vote , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 263.270 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 263 / Section 263.270
263.270 Fund to pay principal and interest on bonds
Status: in_force

(1) When a commission issues revenue bonds under this chapter, the resolution authorizing the issuance of the revenue bonds shall create a special fund for the sole purpose of paying the principal of and interest on the bonds of each such issue, into which fund board of directors may obligate the commission to pay all or part of such amounts of the gross revenue of all or any part of the sports and convention facilities constructed, acquired, improved, added to, repaired or replaced pursuant to this chapter, or other designated revenues, as the board of directors of the commission shall determine.

(2) The principal of and interest on such bonds shall be payable only out of such special fund or funds and the owners of such bonds shall have a lien and charge against the gross revenue pledged to such fund or funds. [1985 c.654 §7]

Source: Section 263.270 — Fund to pay principal and interest on bonds; pledge of revenues , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors263.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.630 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.630
267.630 Issuance and sale of bonds
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of performing any service that the district has power to perform, the district, when authorized at any properly called election held for such purpose, shall have the power to borrow money by the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds. Such bonds shall never exceed in the aggregate 10 percent of the real market value of all taxable property within the district computed in accordance with ORS 308.207 (Computation of real market value for taxing or bonding limitations) . The bonds shall be so conditioned that the district shall promise and agree therein to pay the bearer at a place named therein payable semiannually in accordance with the tenor and terms of the interest coupons attached. The bonds shall mature serially not to exceed 30 years from the date of issue.

(2) For the purpose of performing any of the powers conferred by ORS 267.510 (Definitions for ORS 267.510 to 267.650) to 267.650 (Finance elections) a district, when authorized at any properly called election held for such purpose, shall have the power to borrow money by the issuance and sale also of revenue bonds and to pledge as security therefor, all or any part of the unobligated net income or revenue of the district. The revenue bonds shall be issued in the same manner and form as are general obligation bonds of the district but they shall be payable both as to principal and interest from revenues only. The revenue bonds shall not be subject to the percentage limitation applicable to general obligation bonds and shall not be a lien on any of the taxable property within the corporate limits of the district and shall be payable solely from such part of revenues of the corporation as remains after the payment of obligations having a priority and of all expenses of operation and maintenance of the corporation. All revenue bonds shall contain a provision that both the principal and interest are payable solely from the operating revenues of the district remaining after paying such obligations and expenses.

(3) All general obligation bonds and revenue bonds shall be issued as prescribed in ORS chapter 287A. [1974 c.9 §13; 1983 c.347 §20; 1991 c.459 §367; 2007 c.783 §86]

Source: Section 267.630 — Issuance and sale of bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.300 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.300
264.300 Tax assessment, levy and collection
Status: in_force

(1) A district may assess, levy and collect taxes in an amount each year not to exceed one-fourth of one percent (0.0025) of the real market value of all taxable property within the limits of the district, computed in accordance with ORS 308.207 (Computation of real market value for taxing or bonding limitations) . The proceeds of the tax shall be applied by it in carrying out the objects and purposes of ORS 264.110 (Formation of domestic water supply district) , 264.210 (General powers of district) to 264.280 (Bond sale procedure) and 264.330 (Hydrants for fire protection) and for the purpose of financing the employees’ retirement system.

(2) A district may annually also assess, levy and collect a special tax upon all such property in an amount sufficient to pay the yearly interest on bonds theretofore issued by the district and then outstanding, together with any portion of the principal of such bonds maturing within the year. The special tax shall be applied only in payment of interest and principal of bonds issued by the district, but the district may apply any funds it may have toward payment of principal and interest of any such bonds.

(3) Taxes shall be levied in each year and returned to the county officer whose duty it is to extend the tax roll by the time required by law for city taxes to be levied and returned.

(4) Taxes levied by the district shall become payable at the same time and be collected by the same officer who collects county taxes, and the proceeds shall be turned over to the district according to law. The county officer whose duty it is to extend the county levy shall extend the levy of the district in the same manner as city taxes are extended.

(5) Property is subject to sale for nonpayment of taxes levied by the district in like manner and with like effect as in the case of county and state taxes. [Amended by 1963 c.9 §7; 1965 c.348 §6; 1969 c.666 §54; 1969 c.694 §5; 1971 c.36 §2; 1991 c.459 §359; 2001 c.215 §3]

Source: Section 264.300 — Tax assessment, levy and collection , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.410 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.410
264.410 Board
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the power and authority given to districts is vested in and shall be exercised by a board of five commissioners, each of whom shall be an elector of the district. However, if there are fewer than 100 electors of the district, then any individual who owns and maintains real property within the district, pays taxes levied thereon by the district and is an elector registered anywhere in this state may serve as a commissioner. Except as provided by subsection (2) of this section, each commissioner shall be elected for a term of four years.

(2) Within 10 days after the formation of a district and the election of the members of the first board, the commissioners shall meet and organize, first taking and subscribing an oath of office. The commissioners first elected shall determine by lot the length of term each shall hold office. The terms of two commissioners shall expire June 30 next following the first regular district election and the terms of three commissioners shall expire June 30 next following the second regular district election.

(3) The board of commissioners shall fill any vacancy on the board as provided in ORS 198.320 (Filling of vacancies on governing bodies of certain districts) . [Amended by 1955 c.213 §3; 1967 c.436 §2; 1969 c.666 §29; subsection (3) renumbered 264.415; 1971 c.727 §80; 1973 c.796 §19; 1975 c.647 §22; 1981 c.352 §1; 1983 c.6 §1; 1983 c.83 §39; 1983 c.350 §102]

Source: Section 264.410 — Board; qualification; terms , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.330 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.330
264.330 Hydrants for fire protection
Status: in_force

Any district may install hydrants for fire protection along its mains at such points as its board of commissioners may determine, and furnish water for such purpose. The board shall establish, from time to time, regulations governing such installations, and furnishing of water therefrom and any rates and charges thereon. No equipment other than the hydrants and water therefor shall be furnished at the general expense. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §22]

Source: Section 264.330 — Hydrants for fire protection; regulations; rates , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.118 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.118
261.118 Withdrawal from petition
Status: in_force

After a petition has been filed with the county clerk, no person may withdraw that person’s name from it. [Formerly 261.040]

Source: Section 261.118 — Withdrawal from petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.340 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.340
266.340 Oath of office of board members
Status: in_force

A district board member when elected shall take the oath of office within 10 days after receiving the certificate of election. [Amended by 1969 c.345 §6; 1969 c.668 §§14,45]

Source: Section 266.340 — Oath of office of board members , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.150 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.150
265.150 Disposition of district funds
Status: in_force

(1) All funds collected on behalf of the district through the levy of taxes, and all donations, contributions, bequests or equities, or from any other source, shall be deposited with the county treasurer to the credit of the district fund and, except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, shall be drawn out only upon proper order and warrant or check. The warrant or check shall bear the signature of the treasurer and countersignature of the chairperson.

(2) At the request of the district, all funds on deposit with the county treasurer to the credit of the district shall be paid over by the county treasurer to the district. [Amended by 1961 c.516 §1]

Source: Section 265.150 — Disposition of district funds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.308 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.308
264.308 Requiring cash deposits of water users
Status: in_force

Any district may require a reasonable cash deposit to insure payment for the use or rent of water to be furnished by the district. [1953 c.660 §1; 1969 c.666 §19]

Source: Section 264.308 — Requiring cash deposits of water users , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.045 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.045
261.045 Procedure in absence of specific provision
Status: in_force

Where the procedure for formation of a district, annexation of territory to a district, consolidation of two or more districts, issuance of bonds and levying and collection of taxes, holding of elections or any other matter in connection with organization or operation of utility districts is not specifically provided for, any suitable method and proceeding, or either, may be adopted which may appear most conformable to the spirit of this chapter and the provisions of section 12, Article XI, Oregon Constitution.

Source: Section 261.045 — Procedure in absence of specific provision , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.420 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.420
264.420 Calling of special elections
Status: in_force

The board of commissioners at any regular meeting may call a special election of the electors of the district. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §31; 1971 c.647 §41]

Source: Section 264.420 — Calling of special elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.715 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.715
261.715 Directors as trustees
Status: in_force

Upon dissolution the directors then in office shall be deemed to be, and thereafter be referred to as, the trustees of the district, with power and authority in the name and in behalf of the district to sell, transfer and dispose of any and all property and assets of the district and to do each and every thing necessary and needful or requisite for settlement and liquidation of the affairs of the district as provided in ORS 261.720 (Inventory and sale of district property) to 261.730 (Disposal of district books and records) .

Source: Section 261.715 — Directors as trustees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.370 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.370
264.370 Hearing
Status: in_force

(1) At the time of the public hearing on the proposed improvement, if the written remonstrances represent less than the amount of property required to defeat the proposed improvement, if such an improvement is one that can be remonstrated against, then on the basis of such hearing of written remonstrances and oral objections, if any, the district board may, by motion, at the time of the hearing or within 60 days thereafter, order the improvement to be carried out in accordance with the resolution, or the district board may, on its own motion, abandon the improvement.

(2) After the public hearing on the proposed improvement and after the district board has moved to proceed with the improvement, it may pass an ordinance assessing the various lots, parcels of land or parts thereof, to be specially benefited with their apportioned share of the cost of the improvement; but the passage of an assessment ordinance may be delayed until the contract for the work is let, or until the improvement is completed and the total cost thereof is determined. [1969 c.686 §§6,7]

Source: Section 264.370 — Hearing; assessment ordinance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.354 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.354
268.354 Boundary change procedures
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to the requirements established by ORS chapters 198, 221 and 222 for a boundary change, a metropolitan service district, in consultation with the Metro Policy Advisory Committee, may establish requirements for a boundary change that is subject to the jurisdiction of the district pursuant to ORS 268.347 (Boundary change within district and urban reserves) .

(2) For a boundary change that is subject to the jurisdiction of the district pursuant to ORS 268.347 (Boundary change within district and urban reserves) , the district shall:

(a) Establish a uniform hearing and notification process.

(b) Establish an expedited process for uncontested boundary changes.

(c) Establish clear and objective criteria for a boundary change.

(d) Ensure that a boundary change is in compliance with the Metro regional framework plan, as defined in ORS 197.015 (Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A) , and cooperative agreements and urban service agreements adopted pursuant to ORS chapter 195.

(3) The role of a metropolitan service district in the boundary determination process shall be ministerial only.

(4) Except as provided in this section and ORS 268.347 (Boundary change within district and urban reserves) and 268.351 (Definitions for ORS 268.347 and 268.354) , for a boundary change subject to the jurisdiction of the metropolitan service district:

(a) Proceedings for annexation of territory to a city and for all other changes in city boundaries shall be conducted as provided in ORS chapter 222.

(b) Proceedings for annexation of territory to a district, and for all other changes to the boundaries of a district, shall be conducted as provided in ORS chapter 198. Notwithstanding ORS 268.020 (Definitions) , as used in this paragraph, “district” has the meaning given that term in ORS 268.351 (Definitions for ORS 268.347 and 268.354) .

(c) Proceedings for annexation of territory to the metropolitan service district, including annexation of territory not within the urban growth boundary of the district, and for all other changes to the boundaries of the district shall be conducted as provided in ORS chapter 198.

(d) Notwithstanding contrary provisions regarding the party responsible for conducting hearings under ORS chapter 198, the metropolitan service district is the governing body responsible for conducting proceedings for a minor boundary change to the district. Except for a change to the district boundary by adoption of an urban growth boundary under ORS 268.390 (Planning for activities and areas with metropolitan impact) , proceedings for a minor boundary change to the boundaries of a district shall be conducted as provided in ORS chapter 198. [1997 c.516 §10; 1999 c.282 §1; 2005 c.22 §195; 2007 c.173 §3; 2009 c.216 §2; 2011 c.26 §2]

Source: Section 268.354 — Boundary change procedures; standards , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.065 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.065
261.065 Application of initiative, referendum and recall laws
Status: in_force

The laws of this state regarding initiative, referendum and recall shall apply to people’s utility districts. [1979 c.558 §3]

FORMATION; BOUNDARY CHANGES

Source: Section 261.065 — Application of initiative, referendum and recall laws , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.530 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.530
267.530 Establishment of permanent tax rate limit at time of formation
Status: in_force

If a district is to impose operating taxes, a permanent rate limit on operating taxes within the meaning of section 11 (3), Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, shall be established for a district at the same election at which the district is established. If the petition or resolution for initiating proceedings to establish the district contains a proposed permanent rate limit, the county governing body that calls the election shall confer about the rate limit with the governing bodies of all counties and cities having territory in the proposed district and shall then determine the rate limit to be proposed for the district. The proposition submitted to the electors of the district for the purpose of establishing the district shall propose the rate limit specified by the county governing body. The rate limit so proposed shall be the permanent rate limit for operating taxes for the district within the meaning of section 11 (3), Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, if the district is established in an election that is in compliance with section 11 (8), Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. [1974 c.9 §5; 1997 c.541 §361]

Source: Section 267.530 — Establishment of permanent tax rate limit at time of formation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.990 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.990
264.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

Violation of any provision of ORS 264.346 (Violation of code or failure to remove hazards prohibited) is a Class D violation. Each day’s refusal to remove fire hazards after notice by the inspecting officer to the owner or occupant of the premises whereon such hazard exists shall constitute a separate offense. [1953 c.206 §5; 1999 c.1051 §168]

Source: Section 264.990 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.306 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.306
264.306 Regulations concerning use of water and district property
Status: in_force

(1) Any district may adopt and promulgate regulations concerning the use of water and the property of the district. The board of commissioners may refuse to supply any building, place or premises with water where the user fails after five days’ written notice to comply with the regulations. The written notice shall be by first-class mail or shall be posted in some conspicuous place on the building, place or premises to which the supply of water may be shut off. When the notice is mailed, it shall be deemed given when it is deposited in the United States Post Office properly addressed with postage prepaid.

(2) Whenever the household supply of water is being jeopardized by nonhousehold use of water, the district can order the nonhousehold use of water to be immediately discontinued. For the purposes of this subsection, nonhousehold use includes irrigation of lawns or fields. [1953 c.660 §3; 1969 c.666 §18; 1991 c.249 §20; 1991 c.250 §1]

Source: Section 264.306 — Regulations concerning use of water and district property; shutoff of water for noncompliance; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.390 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.390
264.390 Reassessment
Status: in_force

Whenever any assessment, deficit assessment or reassessment for any improvement which has been made by the district is set aside, or its enforcement restrained by any court having jurisdiction thereof, or when the district board is in doubt as to the validity of an assessment, deficit assessment or reassessment, or any part thereof, the district board may make a reassessment in the manner provided by ORS 223.405 (Definitions for ORS 223.405 to 223.485) to 223.485 (When reassessment authority inapplicable) . [1969 c.686 §17]

Source: Section 264.390 — Reassessment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.310 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.310
267.310 Revolving fund
Status: in_force

For the purpose of establishing a revolving fund to provide money to finance the planning and construction, acquisition, purchase or lease of a mass transit system, a district board may levy an ad valorem tax of not to exceed in any one year three-twentieth of one percent (0.0015) of real market value of all taxable property within the district. The revenue derived from such taxes shall be credited to a revolving fund, and shall be disbursed by the district board and used only for the purpose for which levied. [1969 c.643 §27; 1991 c.459 §364]

Source: Section 267.310 — Revolving fund; authority to levy ad valorem taxes for fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.320 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.320
268.320 Elector approval of district actions
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of a district charter, the electors of a district may, from time to time, and in exercise of their power of the initiative, or by approving a proposition referred to them by the governing body of the district, authorize the district to assume additional functions. [1969 c.700 §11; 1977 c.95 §18; 1977 c.665 §11; 1997 c.516 §7; 1997 c.833 §10; 2005 c.22 §192; 2007 c.173 §4]

Source: Section 268.320 — Elector approval of district actions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.140 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.140
267.140 Duties of general manager
Status: in_force

A general manager of a district shall:

(1) Have full charge of the acquisition, construction, maintenance and operation of the transit system of the district.

(2) Have full charge of the administration of the business affairs of the district.

(3) Enforce all ordinances adopted by the board.

(4) Administer the personnel system adopted by the board and, except for officers appointed by the board, appoint, discipline or remove all officers and employees, subject to ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) and the rules of the board.

(5) Prepare and submit to the board within 30 days after the end of each fiscal year a complete report of the finances and administrative activities of the district for that preceding fiscal year.

(6) Keep the board advised as to the needs of the district.

(7) Prepare all plans and specifications for acquisition of equipment or construction of improvements or facilities for the district.

(8) Cause to be installed and maintained a system of auditing and accounting which shows completely and at all times the financial condition of the district.

(9) Devote the entire working time of the general manager to the business of the district.

(10) Perform such other duties as the board requires by resolution. [1969 c.643 §15]

Source: Section 267.140 — Duties of general manager , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.240 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.240
261.240 Policy
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares it to be in the public interest and for a public purpose that districts, cities, electric cooperatives, and electric utility companies participate as authorized in ORS 261.235 (Definitions for ORS 261.235 to 261.255) to 261.255 (Use of district money or property) jointly and with other persons to:

(a) Achieve economies of scale in the generation of electricity;

(b) Meet the future power needs of this state and its inhabitants; and

(c) Participate in transactions useful for the development of an efficient system for the transmission and distribution or marketing of electric power and related goods and commodities.

(2) ORS 261.235 (Definitions for ORS 261.235 to 261.255) to 261.255 (Use of district money or property) shall be construed liberally to effectuate the purposes set out in subsection (1) of this section. [1967 c.603 §9; 1999 c.865 §39]

Source: Section 261.240 — Policy; construction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.240 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.240
268.240 PERS membership for specified classes of district employees
Status: in_force

(1) A district that is not participating in the Public Employees Retirement System may, by application to the board, include any class of employees of the district in the system established by ORS chapters 238 and 238A without entering into a contract of integration with the board under ORS 238.680 (Integration of other retirement systems) .

(2) The board shall consider an application received under this section to be an application to become a participating employer under ORS chapters 238 and 238A but only to the extent of providing membership for the class of employees described in the application.

(3) The board, upon such terms as are set forth in a contract between the board and the employer, shall allow every employee in the specified class to become members of the Public Employees Retirement System in accordance with ORS chapters 238 and 238A.

(4) When a district enters into a contract with the board under subsection (3) of this section, the district shall agree to eventually extend coverage under ORS chapters 238 and 238A to all eligible district employees through successive contracts with the board.

(5) All employees who have completed the period of service with the public employer that is required under ORS 238.015 (Membership generally) , 238A.100 (Establishing membership under pension program) or 238A.300 (Establishing membership under individual account program) shall become members of the system on a date specified by the board. All other employees in the described class shall become members upon completion of the required period of service.

(6) As used in this section, “board” means the Public Employees Retirement Board established under ORS 238.630 (Board generally) . [1989 c.879 §2; 2003 c.733 §72]

Source: Section 268.240 — PERS membership for specified classes of district employees; conditions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 263.280 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 263 / Section 263.280
263.280 Annual budget
Status: in_force

The commission shall prepare a budget for each fiscal year covering the projected operating expenses of the commission and its sports and convention facilities and the estimated income to pay the operating expenses. It shall submit the budget for review and approval or rejection to the governing body of the county in which the commission was created. The commission may make expenditures only as provided in the budget as approved, unless additional expenditures are approved by the governing body of the county. Payments to users of any sports and convention facility that constitute a contractual share of box office receipts are neither an operating expense nor an expenditure within the meaning of this section. [1985 c.654 §8]

Source: Section 263.280 — Annual budget; approval by county , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors263.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.310 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.310
264.310 Rates for water furnished
Status: in_force

A district shall charge consumers for the water furnished and fix and collect the rates therefor. Rates charged may be fixed and classified according to the type of use and according to the amount of water used. Any contract entered into by a district with persons other than domestic users shall provide for immediate cancellation whenever no surplus supply of water exists over and above any and all demands of domestic users. A district also may contract with any person, or enter into intergovernmental agreements under ORS chapter 190, to supply, furnish and sell surplus water on such terms and conditions and at such rates as the board of commissioners considers advisable. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §55; 2003 c.802 §85]

Source: Section 264.310 — Rates for water furnished; contracts to sell surplus water , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.208 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.208
267.208 Effective date of change of boundaries
Status: in_force

(1) An alteration of the boundaries of a district under ORS 267.207 (Change of district boundaries) or 267.250 (Definitions for ORS 267.250 to 267.263) to 267.263 (Withdrawal of territory not subject to boundary commission review) shall not become effective during the period:

(a) Beginning after the 90th day before a primary election or general election and ending on the day after the election; or

(b) Beginning after the deadline for filing the notice of election before any other election held by the district and ending on the day after the election.

(2) If the effective date established for the alteration of the boundaries is a date that is prohibited under this section, the alteration shall become effective on the day after the election.

(3) For the purposes of ORS 308.225 (Boundary changes) only, the effective date of an alteration of district boundaries shall be the date on which the board adopts the ordinance altering the boundaries or, if such an ordinance is initiated or referred, the date on which the ordinance is approved by the electors as provided in ORS 267.207 (Change of district boundaries) .

(4) For purposes of ad valorem taxation, a boundary change must be filed in final approved form with the county assessor and the Department of Revenue as provided in ORS 308.225 (Boundary changes) . [1985 c.808 §77; 1987 c.799 §9; 1989 c.923 §26; 1995 c.712 §100; 2001 c.138 §11]

Source: Section 267.208 — Effective date of change of boundaries; filing boundary change with county assessor and Department of Revenue , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.343 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.343
268.343 Validation of certain easements acquired by district
Status: in_force

Conservation easements and highway scenic preservation easements acquired by a metropolitan service district prior to May 28, 1999, are validated. [1999 c.208 §5]

Note: 268.343 (Validation of certain easements acquired by district) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 268 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 268.343 — Validation of certain easements acquired by district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.417 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.417
264.417 Position numbers for commissioners
Status: in_force

(1) Each office of commissioner shall be designated by number as Position No. 1, Position No. 2 and so forth.

(2) The secretary of a district shall assign a position number to each office on the board. The number so assigned shall be certified by the secretary to the commissioner in office holding that position. A copy of the certification shall be filed with the district elections officer. [1977 c.301 §2; 1983 c.350 §103]

Source: Section 264.417 — Position numbers for commissioners; certification of position number , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.372 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.372
264.372 Methods of assessment
Status: in_force

The district board in adopting a method of assessment of the costs of the improvement may:

(1) Use any just and reasonable method of determining the extent of any improvement district consistent with the benefits derived.

(2) Use any method of apportioning the sum to be assessed as is just and reasonable between the properties determined to be specially benefited.

(3) Authorize payment by the district of all, or any part, of the cost of any such improvement, when in the opinion of the board the topographical or physical conditions, or unusual or excessive public travel, or other character of the work involved warrants only a partial payment or no payment by the benefited property of the costs of the improvement. [1969 c.686 §8]

Source: Section 264.372 — Methods of assessment; alternative financing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.505 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.505
268.505 Income tax
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the provisions of a district charter, to carry out the purposes of this chapter, a district may by ordinance impose a tax:

(a) Upon the entire taxable income of every resident of the district subject to tax under ORS chapter 316 and upon the taxable income of every nonresident that is derived from sources within the district which income is subject to tax under ORS chapter 316; and

(b) On or measured by the net income of a mercantile, manufacturing, business, financial, centrally assessed, investment, insurance or other corporation or entity taxable as a corporation doing business, located, or having a place of business or office within or having income derived from sources within the district which income is subject to tax under ORS chapter 317 or 318.

(2) The rate of the tax imposed by ordinance adopted under authority of subsection (1) of this section shall not exceed one percent. The tax may be imposed and collected as a surtax upon the state income or excise tax.

(3) Any ordinance adopted pursuant to subsection (1) of this section may require a nonresident, corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation having income from activity both within and without the district taxable by the State of Oregon to allocate and apportion such net income to the district in the manner required for allocation and apportionment of income under ORS 314.280 (Allocation of income of financial institution or public utility from business within and without state) and 314.605 (Short title) to 314.675 (Apportionment of net loss) .

(4) If a district adopts an ordinance under this section, the ordinance shall be consistent with any state law relating to the same subject, and with rules and regulations of the Department of Revenue prescribed under ORS 305.620 (Collection and distribution of local taxes on income and sales) .

(5) Any ordinance adopted by the district under subsection (1) of this section shall receive the approval of the electors of the district before taking effect. [1977 c.665 §22; 1997 c.833 §17]

Source: Section 268.505 — Income tax; rate limitation; elector approval required , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.570 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.570
267.570 Powers relating to public transportation
Status: in_force

(1) For purposes of public transportation, a district may:

(a) Contract with the United States or with any county, city or state, or any of their departments or agencies, for the construction, preservation, improvement, operation or maintenance of any system.

(b) Build, construct, purchase, improve, operate and maintain, subject to other applicable provisions of law, all improvements, facilities or equipment necessary or desirable for the system of the district.

(c) Enter into contracts and employ agents, engineers, attorneys and other persons and fix their compensation.

(d) Fix and collect charges for the use of the system.

(e) Construct, acquire, maintain and operate passenger terminal facilities and motor vehicle parking facilities in connection with the system within or outside the district.

(f) Use a public thoroughfare in a manner mutually agreed to by the governing bodies of the district and of the thoroughfare or, if they cannot so agree upon how the district may use the thoroughfare, in a manner determined by an arbitrator appointed by the Governor.

(g) Do such other acts or things as may be necessary or convenient for the proper exercise of the powers granted to a district by ORS 267.510 (Definitions for ORS 267.510 to 267.650) to 267.650 (Finance elections) .

(2) A district shall be entitled to tax refunds under ORS 319.831 (Refund of tax on fuel used in operation of vehicle over certain roads or private property) , as if the district were a city. [1974 c.9 §10; 1979 c.344 §2]

Source: Section 267.570 — Powers relating to public transportation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.500 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.500
268.500 Levy, collection, enforcement of ad valorem taxes
Status: in_force

(1) A district may levy annually an ad valorem tax on all taxable property within its boundaries not to exceed in any one year one-half percent (0.005) of the real market value of all taxable property within the boundaries of such district, computed in accordance with ORS 308.207 (Computation of real market value for taxing or bonding limitations) . The district may also annually assess, levy and collect a special tax upon all such property in an amount sufficient to pay the yearly interest on bonds previously issued by the district and then outstanding, together with any portion of the principal of such bonds maturing within the year. The special tax shall be applied only in payment of the interest and principal of bonds issued by the corporation, but the corporation may apply any funds it may have toward the payment of principal and interest of any such bonds.

(2) Such taxes shall be levied in each year and returned to the county officer whose duty it is to extend the tax levy by the time required by law for city taxes to be levied and returned. All taxes levied by the district shall become payable at the same time and be collected by the same officer who collects county taxes and shall be turned over to the district according to law. The county officer whose duty it is to extend the county levy shall extend the levy of the district in the same manner as city taxes are extended. Property shall be subject to sale for nonpayment of taxes levied by the corporation in like manner and with like effect as in the case of county and state taxes.

(3) In taxation a district may classify property on the basis of services received from the district and prescribe different tax rates for the different classes of property. [1969 c.700 §17; 1987 c.816 §1; 1991 c.459 §369; 1993 c.18 §48; 1997 c.833 §25; 1999 c.21 §5]

Source: Section 268.500 — Levy, collection, enforcement of ad valorem taxes; limitation; classification of property , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.380 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.380
264.380 Errors in assessment calculations
Status: in_force

Claimed errors in the calculation of assessments shall be called to the attention of the secretary of the district, who shall determine whether there has been an error in fact. If the secretary finds that there has been an error in fact, the secretary shall recommend to the district board an amendment to the assessment ordinance to correct the error. Upon enactment of the amendment, the secretary shall make the necessary correction in the lien docket and send a correct notice of assessment by registered or certified mail. [1969 c.686 §12]

Source: Section 264.380 — Errors in assessment calculations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.113 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.113
261.113 Petition or resolution for formation to propose special levy for certain purposes
Status: in_force

Electors’ petitions and resolutions for formation of a district shall include a proposal for the authorization of the district to impose a special levy of a certain amount to finance an engineer’s report on revenue bonds for the acquisition or construction of the initial utility system, including the replacement value of the unreimbursed investment of an investor owned utility in energy efficiency measures and installations within the proposed district, the election under ORS 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) (10) and costs associated with them. [1979 c.558 §12; 1991 c.358 §2; 1991 c.572 §4]

Source: Section 261.113 — Petition or resolution for formation to propose special levy for certain purposes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.020 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.020
265.020 Area in which district may be formed
Status: in_force

A cemetery maintenance district may be formed in an area aggregating not less than 4,000 acres in one body, or in an area of less extent if it has an assessed valuation of not less than $200,000, as shown by the last county assessment roll. [Amended by 1971 c.727 §86]

Source: Section 265.020 — Area in which district may be formed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.227 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.227
267.227 Relationship with Oregon Mass Transportation Financing Authority
Status: in_force

A mass transit district may enter into contracts, leases, subleases and agreements with the Oregon Mass Transportation Financing Authority. The obligation of a district to pay rentals to the Oregon Mass Transportation Financing Authority shall not be considered to be the incurring of bonded indebtedness by a district. A district shall reimburse the Oregon Mass Transportation Financing Authority for all expenses incurred by the authority in connection with any application by such district for financial assistance under the Oregon Mass Transportation Financing Act. [1977 c.662 §18]

Source: Section 267.227 — Relationship with Oregon Mass Transportation Financing Authority , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.530 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.530
268.530 Bond elections
Status: in_force

Elections for the purpose of voting on the question of borrowing funds by issuance and sale of general obligation bonds shall be called by the governing body. [1969 c.700 §20; 1971 c.647 §63a; 1977 c.782 §8]

Source: Section 268.530 — Bond elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.990 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.990
267.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

Any person violating a police ordinance of a mass transit district commits a Class A misdemeanor. [1969 c.643 §18(1); 2011 c.597 §174]

Source: Section 267.990 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.503 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.503
268.503 Vehicle registration fees
Status: in_force

Subject to ORS 801.040 (Authority to adopt special provisions) , 801.042 (Terms and conditions for imposition of registration fee by district) , 801.237 (“District” defined for certain purposes) and 803.445 (Authority of counties and districts to impose registration fees) , for the purpose of providing any service that the district, as defined in ORS 801.237 (“District” defined for certain purposes) , has power to provide, the district may impose registration fees on vehicles under ORS 803.445 (Authority of counties and districts to impose registration fees) . [1989 c.864 §13; 2009 c.865 §40c]

Source: Section 268.503 — Vehicle registration fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.245 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.245
261.245 Authority of district to acquire interest in power facilities
Status: in_force

In addition to the powers otherwise conferred on districts of this state, such a district owning and operating an electric light and power system may plan, finance, construct, acquire, operate, own and maintain an undivided interest in common facilities within or without the state jointly with one or more other districts, with one or more cities, with one or more electric cooperatives, or with one or more other persons or with any combination of such districts, cities, electric cooperatives or persons, and may make such plans and enter into contracts and agreements as are necessary or appropriate for such joint planning, financing, construction, acquisition, operation, ownership or maintenance. [1967 c.603 §10; 1979 c.151 §4; 1999 c.865 §40]

Source: Section 261.245 — Authority of district to acquire interest in power facilities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.420 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.420
267.420 Employer payroll tax on State of Oregon and political subdivisions
Status: in_force

(1) Any ordinance imposing an employer payroll tax on an entity described in ORS 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) (1)(a)(C) shall be adopted not less than six months prior to the beginning of the fiscal year of the mass transit district within which the employer payroll tax becomes effective.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Any ordinance imposing an employer payroll tax on an entity described in ORS 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) (1)(a)(C) shall provide that for each of the four fiscal years after the fiscal year in which the employer payroll tax was first imposed, the entity shall pay the applicable percentage of the amount of employer payroll tax which, without regard to this section, it would have been required to pay under the law.

(b) The applicable percentage shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

Number of fiscal years The applicable

after the fiscal year percentage is:

in which the employer

payroll tax is first

imposed:

One 20

Two 40

Three 60

Four 80

(c) In the fifth fiscal year after the fiscal year in which the employer payroll tax is first imposed on an entity described in ORS 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) (1)(a)(C) and in any subsequent fiscal year, the applicable percentage shall be 100 percent. [1989 c.869 §4]

Source: Section 267.420 — Employer payroll tax on State of Oregon and political subdivisions; requirements for tax ordinance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.525 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.525
268.525 Refunding bonds
Status: in_force

Refunding bonds of the same character and tenor as those replaced thereby may be issued pursuant to a resolution adopted by the district governing body without submitting to the electors the question of authorizing the issuance of the bonds. [1969 c.700 §19a]

Source: Section 268.525 — Refunding bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.430 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.430
266.430 Sinking funds
Status: in_force

The park and recreation board, by resolution duly adopted, may establish sinking funds for the purpose of defraying the costs of acquiring land for park and recreation sites, and for acquiring or constructing buildings or facilities thereon or therein. Any such fund may be created through the inclusion annually within the tax budget of the district of items representing the yearly installments to be credited thereto. The amount of these items shall be collected and credited to the proper fund in the same manner in which taxes levied or revenues derived for other purposes for the district are collected and credited. The balances to the credit of the funds need not be taken into consideration or deducted from budget estimates by the levying authority in preparing the annual budget of the district. None of the moneys in such funds shall be diverted or transferred to other funds, but if unexpended balances remain after disbursement of the funds for the purpose for which they were created, such balances, upon approval by resolution of the park and recreation board, shall be transferred to the operation and maintenance fund of the district.

Source: Section 266.430 — Sinking funds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.490 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.490
266.490 Bond election at discretion of board or on petition
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of providing funds with which to put into effect one or any combination of any of the purposes authorized under ORS 266.480 (Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes) , the district board, when authorized by a majority of those voting at an election called for that purpose, may borrow money and sell and dispose of general obligation bonds.

(2) The district board:

(a) May order an election under this section on its own resolution; or

(b) Shall order an election under this section when a petition is filed as provided in this section.

(3) A petition shall specify a dollar amount for carrying out any one or more of the purposes authorized by ORS 266.480 (Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes) . The requirements for preparing, circulating and filing a petition under this section shall be as provided for an initiative petition in ORS 255.135 (Prospective petition) to 255.205 (Retention of petition materials) . [Amended by 1967 c.609 §4; 1969 c.668 §23; 1975 c.627 §3; 1979 c.190 §410; 1983 c.350 §123]

Source: Section 266.490 — Bond election at discretion of board or on petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.190 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.190
261.190 Election of first board of directors
Status: in_force

(1) At all elections where the creation of a district is authorized, five directors shall be elected to manage and transact the business of the district.

(2) Candidates for the office of director must be electors of this state, must have resided in the proposed district continuously for not less than two years next preceding the date of the election, and must continue to reside in the district during their term of office.

(3) All electors of the proposed district shall have the right to vote for five candidates at the election.

(4) The five candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the area approved by the electors and declared by the county governing body to be a district shall be elected to serve until the first Monday in January after the first regular general election which occurs not less than one year following the election to create the district, and until their successors are elected and qualified. [Amended by 1973 c.796 §11; 1975 c.598 §4; 1979 c.558 §16; 2003 c.14 §123]

Source: Section 261.190 — Election of first board of directors; qualifications; tenure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.040 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.040
268.040 Exemption from public utility regulation
Status: in_force

Transportation facilities operated by a district, including the rates and charges made by the district and the equipment operated by the district, and transportation facilities operated for a district by a private operator pursuant to a contract between the operator and the district, including the rates and charges made by the operator pursuant to the contract, and the equipment operated pursuant to the contract, shall not be subject to the laws of this state regulating public utilities, including those laws administered by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon. [1969 c.700 §31]

Source: Section 268.040 — Exemption from public utility regulation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.180 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.180
261.180 Effect of annexation or consolidation on title to property and indebtedness
Status: in_force

(1) If a parcel of territory or a city is annexed to an existing people’s utility district, or two or more districts are consolidated, such annexation or consolidation shall not affect or impair the title to any property owned or held by the district or districts, or any property owned or held by the annexed city, or in trust therefor, or any debts, demands, liabilities or obligations existing in favor of or against either the district or city so annexed.

(2) The acceptance of any indebtedness at the election to determine the question of annexation shall not include any indebtedness except such as has been incurred or assumed on account of development or purchase of a utility, including the replacement value of the unreimbursed investment of an investor owned utility in energy efficiency measures and installations within the annexed area. [Amended by 1991 c.358 §3; 2003 c.802 §72]

Source: Section 261.180 — Effect of annexation or consolidation on title to property and indebtedness , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.130 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.130
265.130 Meetings of board
Status: in_force

(1) The directors shall hold meetings at such time and place within the district as they may determine upon. They shall hold at least one regular meeting in each month on a day to be fixed by them and may hold such special meetings under such rules as they may make.

(2) The directors shall, at the time of their organization, choose from their number a chairperson, a secretary and a treasurer. The secretary and treasurer may be the same person. All officers shall hold their offices until the first regular meeting in January following election and until their successors are elected and qualified. These officers shall have, respectively, powers to perform the duties usual in such cases.

(3) A majority shall constitute a quorum to do business. [Amended by 1969 c.345 §5]

Source: Section 265.130 — Meetings of board; officers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.420 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.420
261.420 Terms of office of directors
Status: in_force

Of the board of directors elected at the next general election following creation of the district, three shall hold office for four years, and two shall hold office for two years, and until their successors are elected and qualified, the length of the respective terms to be determined by lot. Thereafter, at each general election, a number of directors corresponding to the number whose terms of office expire shall be elected for the term of four years. The terms of directors shall commence on the first Monday in January next following their election. [Amended by 1973 c.796 §16; 1975 c.598 §7; 1989 c.503 §32; 2003 c.14 §129]

Source: Section 261.420 — Terms of office of directors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.050 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.050
261.050 Taxation of district property
Status: in_force

(1) All property, real and personal, owned, used, operated or controlled by any people’s utility district, in or for the production, transmission, distribution or furnishing of electricity or electric service for or to the public, shall be assessed and taxed in the same manner and for the same purposes, and the district and the directors and officers thereof shall be subject to the same requirements, as are provided by law in respect to assessment and taxation of similar property owned, used, operated or controlled by private corporations or individuals for the purpose of furnishing electricity or electric service to the public.

(2) If a people’s utility district owns property jointly with a tax-exempt governmental or municipal entity, only the portion of the property used, operated or controlled by the people’s utility district shall be assessed and taxed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. [Amended by 2007 c.301 §32; 2007 c.895 §3a]

Source: Section 261.050 — Taxation of district property , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.160 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.160
265.160 Interest on unpaid warrants
Status: in_force

All warrants for payment of any indebtedness of the cemetery maintenance district which are unpaid for want of funds shall bear interest at a rate to be fixed by the board of directors, but in no event to exceed six percent per annum from the date of indorsement “not paid for want of funds.” The aggregate amount of warrants issued shall not exceed the revenue to be received for the year in which the indebtedness is incurred.

Source: Section 265.160 — Interest on unpaid warrants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.312 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.312
264.312 Increasing water rates
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever any increase is proposed in the existing rates charged water consumers by a district pursuant to ORS 264.310 (Rates for water furnished) , the board of commissioners shall first provide for a public hearing on such proposal before any increased rates are ordered into effect.

(2) The public hearing required under subsection (1) of this section shall be held at a place designated by the board after notice thereof has been given by inclusion of a notice of the public hearing in either the water bills or a special mailing sent to consumers by the district during the period of 30 days prior to the date of the hearing. [1961 c.685 §§2,3; 1969 c.666 §20; 1979 c.328 §5]

Source: Section 264.312 — Increasing water rates; hearing; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.300 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.300
267.300 Authority of district to finance system
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to restrictions in the Oregon Constitution, a district board may finance construction, acquisition, purchase, lease, operation and maintenance of a mass transit system and related facilities for the purposes authorized under ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) by:

(a) Levy of ad valorem taxes under ORS 267.305 (Levy, collection, enforcement of ad valorem taxes) .

(b) Service charges and user fees collected under ORS 267.320 (User charges, fees and tolls) .

(c) Use of the revolving fund authorized under ORS 267.310 (Revolving fund) .

(d) Sale of bonds under ORS 267.330 (General obligation bonds) to 267.345 (Issuance of bonds) .

(e) Levy of business license fees under ORS 267.360 (Business, trade, occupational and professional licenses and fees) .

(f) Levy of a tax measured by net income under ORS 267.370 (District taxing authority) .

(g) Levy of a tax measured by employer payrolls under ORS 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) , 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) and 267.420 (Employer payroll tax on State of Oregon and political subdivisions) .

(h) Use of funds accepted under ORS 267.390 (Acceptance of funds from United States) .

(i) Short-term borrowings under ORS 267.400 (Authority to issue short-term obligations) .

(j) Levy of a tax measured by net earnings from self-employment under ORS 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) and 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) .

(k) Any combination of the provisions of paragraphs (a) to (j) of this subsection.

(2) All or any part of the funds raised or received by the district under subsection (1)(a) to (k) of this section may be expended by the district for the purpose of financing the construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair, maintenance, operation and use of the primary transit supportive system. However, only those funds raised or received by the district that are restricted by the Oregon Constitution for the purpose of financing the construction, reconstruction, operation and use of public highways, roads, streets and roadside rest areas may be expended by the district for the secondary transit supportive system. As used in this subsection:

(a) “Transit supportive system” means those facilities in any county in which a district operates that constitute the surface transportation system in the county, including highways, roads, streets, roadside rest areas, park-and-ride stations, transfer stations, parking lots, malls and skyways.

(b) “Primary transit supportive system” means those facilities upon which or adjacent to which the district physically operates.

(c) “Secondary transit supportive system” means the remainder of those facilities that constitute the surface transportation system, but over which the district’s operation or facilities are not physically present. [1969 c.643 §23; 1975 c.752 §1; 1983 c.323 §1; 1983 c.749 §1; 1987 c.825 §1; 1989 c.869 §1]

Source: Section 267.300 — Authority of district to finance system , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.325 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.325
261.325 Acquisition of water rights
Status: in_force

Any utility district created under this chapter may acquire in its own name the right to use the unappropriated waters of this state in accordance with the laws of this state. [Amended by 1955 c.707 §34; 1979 c.54 §1; 1979 c.558 §22]

Source: Section 261.325 — Acquisition of water rights , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.840 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.840
264.840 Limitation on membership
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter authorizes the district to budget, provide for payments or collect contributions to fund retirement benefits for an individual who is not in the employment of the district at the time of the creation of a membership status under a retirement plan. [1965 c.348 §5]

Source: Section 264.840 — Limitation on membership , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.625 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.625
261.625 Costs of proceeding
Status: in_force

The costs of the special proceedings may be allowed and apportioned between the parties in the discretion of the court.

Source: Section 261.625 — Costs of proceeding , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.319 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.319
268.319 Reuse and recycling of electronic products
Status: in_force

Any metropolitan service district serving a population of more than 500,000 persons shall develop and implement a program pertaining to electronic product reuse and recycling. Under the program, the metropolitan service district shall prepare educational materials relating to the collection, recycling and reuse of used consumer electronic products and develop and implement an outreach and education program. [2003 c.706 §4]

Note: 268.319 (Reuse and recycling of electronic products) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 268 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 268.319 — Reuse and recycling of electronic products , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.035 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.035
262.035 Power of agency to require financial contributions from members restricted
Status: in_force

(1) A joint operating agency shall not have the right or power to levy taxes or to assess its members for financial contributions. Each member city and district shall have the power to contribute or advance to the joint operating agency, solely out of surplus funds derived from utility operations, such sums as may be duly authorized by the utility board of the city, if there is one and, if there is no utility board, by the legislative body of the city or the district.

(2) No member of a joint operating agency shall be required to obligate all or any portion of its revenues to a joint operating agency solely because of its membership.

(3) A member may, whenever authorized by its utility board if there is one and, if there is no utility board, by its legislative body, enter into contracts with the joint operating agency to purchase capacity, energy or services and, as a part of such contracts, may agree to pay to the joint operating agency such consideration and to provide such security as it may determine advisable. [1973 c.722 §4]

Source: Section 262.035 — Power of agency to require financial contributions from members restricted; members contracting with agency for services , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.368 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.368
264.368 Manner of doing work
Status: in_force

The district board may provide in the improvement resolution that the construction work will be done in whole, or in part, by the district, by a contract or by any other governmental agency, or by any combination thereof. [1969 c.686 §5]

Source: Section 264.368 — Manner of doing work , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.349 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.349
264.349 Revoking authority to furnish fire protection services
Status: repealed

(1) The authority of a district to furnish fire protection service under ORS 264.340 (Purchase and maintenance of fire equipment) may be revoked by a majority vote of the electors voting at a special election called for that purpose.

(2) Upon revocation of the authority of a district to furnish fire protection service under ORS 264.340 (Purchase and maintenance of fire equipment) :

(a) The board of commissioners may determine the disposition to be made of any fire apparatus and equipment owned, maintained, serviced or operated by the district.

(b) The fire prevention code adopted pursuant to ORS 264.342 (Adoption of fire prevention code) is repealed.

(3) Revocation of the authority of a district to furnish fire protection service under ORS 264.340 (Purchase and maintenance of fire equipment) shall not abrogate any contract to which the district is a party and which relates to the fire protection service performed under ORS 264.340 (Purchase and maintenance of fire equipment) , and the district shall be obligated and authorized to complete and enforce performance of all such contracts. [1961 c.669 §2; 1969 c.666 §25]

Source: Section 264.349 — Revoking authority to furnish fire protection services; consequences , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.215 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.215
261.215 When district formed
Status: in_force

From the date of the proclamation relative to formation of a people’s utility district the territory shall be a separate district to be known as the district named and specified in the proclamation. The inhabitants thereof shall be a corporation by the name and style of the utility district specified in the proclamation, and as such shall have perpetual succession, and by such name shall exercise and carry out the corporate powers and objects conferred and declared by this chapter. [Amended by 2003 c.802 §74]

Source: Section 261.215 — When district formed; designation; district as corporation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.020 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.020
267.020 Transfer of transit system to metropolitan service district
Status: in_force

When a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268 functions in a mass transit district organized under ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) , the governing body of the metropolitan district may at any time order transfer of the transit system of the transit district to the metropolitan district, whereupon:

(1) The governing body of the transit district shall transfer title to, and possession of, the transit system and of all books, records, files, documents, and other property of the transit district to the metropolitan district.

(2) The metropolitan district shall be responsible for all the liabilities and obligations imposed upon or assumed by the transit district.

(3) For purposes of mass transit the metropolitan district shall have all the rights, powers, privileges and immunities, and be subject to all the duties and obligations, of a mass transit district under ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) , insofar as they are consistent with ORS chapter 268.

(4) The boundaries of the metropolitan district shall, for purposes of mass transit, be extended to encompass all the territory of the transit district.

(5) The transit district shall be dissolved and the offices of its directors terminated. [1969 c.643 §40; 1997 c.833 §26]

Source: Section 267.020 — Transfer of transit system to metropolitan service district; effect of transfer order , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.515 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.515
267.515 Application of ORS chapter 255 to district
Status: in_force

(1) ORS chapter 255 governs the following:

(a) The nomination and election of board members.

(b) The conduct of district elections.

(2) The electors of a district may exercise the powers of the initiative and referendum regarding a district measure, in accordance with ORS 255.135 (Prospective petition) to 255.205 (Retention of petition materials) . [Amended by 1983 c.350 §128]

Source: Section 267.515 — Application of ORS chapter 255 to district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.085 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.085
267.085 Resolution to form district
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to and not in lieu of other actions authorized for the initiation of proceedings to form a mass transit district, the governing body of the most populous city in a metropolitan statistical area may by resolution propose formation of a mass transit district, if that city has a local transit system and if the governing body finds that area-wide mass transit needs cannot be met by local transit operation. The resolution of the governing body shall be addressed to and filed with the county board of the principal county and proceedings conducted as provided by ORS 198.705 (Definitions for ORS 198.705 to 198.955) to 198.955 (Disposition of assets) .

(2) A certified copy of the order forming a mass transit district shall be filed with the Governor. [Formerly 267.105; 2009 c.11 §28]

Source: Section 267.085 — Resolution to form district; content; filing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.150 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.150
267.150 Ordinances
Status: in_force

(1) The legislative authority of a district board shall be exercised by ordinance.

(2) The board may enact police ordinances relating to the protection, use and enjoyment of district property and facilities. A district may appoint peace officers who shall have the same authority as other peace officers, except that such authority shall be limited to the enforcement of police ordinances of the district and the enforcement, for purposes relating to the protection, use and enjoyment of district property and facilities, of state and local laws.

(3) The board may, by ordinance, provide a procedure for the conduct of public hearings on proposed changes in transit routes and schedules. The board may delegate to the general manager or other administrative officer the authority to conduct such hearings.

(4) An ordinance shall not be required for a mass transit district to adopt temporary or experimental changes in routes and schedules. [1969 c.643 §17; 1973 c.116 §2; 1975 c.392 §1]

Source: Section 267.150 — Ordinances; regulating use of facilities; public hearings; route, schedule changes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.130 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.130
267.130 Additional compensation prohibited
Status: in_force

No officer or employee of the district shall offer, solicit or accept money or any other thing of value as a consideration, in addition to the salary paid the officer or employee by the district, for services performed within the scope of the official duties of the officer or employee. [1969 c.643 §13; 1971 c.23 §8]

Source: Section 267.130 — Additional compensation prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.080 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.080
267.080 Creation of district
Status: in_force

As provided by ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) , a mass transit district may be created in any metropolitan statistical area for the purpose of providing a mass transit system for the people of the district. Except as otherwise provided in ORS 267.107 (Resolution to create certain districts) (2)(c), the territorial jurisdiction of the district may include all territory within the geographic boundaries of every Oregon county in that metropolitan statistical area. [Formerly 267.100; 2009 c.11 §27]

(Formation – Procedure Used in Portland and Eugene)

Source: Section 267.080 — Creation of district; district jurisdiction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.320 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.320
264.320 Refund of cost of water main extension
Status: in_force

If any person is required by a district to pay the cost of extending a water main adjacent to property other than the person’s own so that water service for domestic use is provided for such other property without further extension of the water main, the district shall require the owner of the other property, prior to providing water service to that property, to refund to the person required to pay the cost of extending the water main, a pro rata portion of the cost of the extension. The right to require such refund shall not continue for more than 10 years after the date of installation of the extension of the water main. The amount to be refunded shall be determined by the district and such determination shall be final. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §21]

Source: Section 264.320 — Refund of cost of water main extension , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.362 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.362
264.362 Initiation of proceedings
Status: in_force

Whenever the district board considers it necessary, upon its own motion, or upon the petition of the owners of one-half of the property that benefits specially from the improvement, to make any improvement to be paid for in whole or in part by special assessment according to benefits, the board shall, by motion, cause a survey and written report for such project to be made and filed with the secretary. Unless the district board directs otherwise, the report shall contain:

(1) A map or plat showing the general nature, location and extent of the proposed improvement and the land to be assessed for the payment of any part of the cost thereof.

(2) Plans, specifications and estimates of the work to be done; however, where the proposed project is to be carried out in cooperation with any other governmental agency, the district board may adopt the plans, specifications and estimates of such agency.

(3) An estimate of the probable cost of the improvement, including any legal, administrative and engineering costs attributable thereto.

(4) An estimate of the unit cost of the improvement to the specially benefited properties.

(5) A recommendation as to the method of assessment to be used to arrive at a fair apportionment of the whole or any portion of the cost of the improvement to the properties specially benefited.

(6) The description and assessed value of each lot, parcel of land or portion thereof, to be specially benefited by the improvement, with the names of the record owners thereof and, when readily available, the names of the contract purchasers thereof.

(7) A statement of outstanding assessments against property to be assessed. [1969 c.686 §2]

Source: Section 264.362 — Initiation of proceedings; survey and report of project , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.310 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.310
261.310 Irrigation, drainage, other districts given power of utility district in certain cases
Status: in_force

(1) Any existing irrigation, drainage or other district in good standing and duly organized under the laws of this state shall be eligible to qualify and do any and all things necessary or incident to the purchase, generation and distribution of electric power under the terms of this chapter without the necessity of reorganizing and complying with the organization procedure prescribed in this chapter, if the qualification is approved by a majority of the persons qualified to vote at a district election who vote on that question.

(2) Drainage districts qualifying under the provisions of this chapter may elect additional directors to make a board of five directors. [Amended by 1979 c.558 §20; 1983 c.83 §33; 2003 c.802 §77]

Source: Section 261.310 — Irrigation, drainage, other districts given power of utility district in certain cases , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.300 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.300
268.300 Existence, status and general powers of district
Status: in_force

(1) A metropolitan service district has full power to carry out the objectives of its formation and the functions authorized pursuant to its charter and to that end may have and use a seal, have perpetual succession, sue and be sued in its own name, and enter into contracts.

(2) For purposes of its authorized functions, a district may enter into intergovernmental agreements under ORS chapter 190. [1969 c.700 §§8,26; 1977 c.95 §1; 1997 c.833 §7; 2003 c.802 §98]

Source: Section 268.300 — Existence, status and general powers of district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).