ORS § 267.260 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.260
267.260 Withdrawal ordinance
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “withdrawal date” means the effective date of an ordinance approving 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) .

(2) An ordinance approving the 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) shall take effect on the first day of January next following the date which is 30 days after the adoption of the ordinance.

(3) Commencing immediately upon the withdrawal date and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the rate of each tax imposed by the district shall automatically be increased to a rate equal to the rate determined by dividing the rate at which such tax was levied immediately prior to the withdrawal date by a fraction, not more than one, which is equal to the total revenue derived from such tax by the district for the calendar year preceding the year in which the withdrawal ordinance is adopted attributable to the area of the district other than the withdrawn affected area divided by the total revenue derived from such tax by the district for the same period.

(4) If the tax rates required under subsection (3) of this section do not produce tax revenues sufficient to enable the district to make the annual or semiannual payments, when due, and otherwise satisfy the requirements of the bonded or other indebtedness of the district incurred prior to the withdrawal, the district may increase the rate of each tax to a rate that produces revenues sufficient to enable the district to make the annual or semiannual payments, when due, and otherwise satisfy the requirements of such indebtedness.

(5) The district board shall determine rates in accordance with the formula prescribed by subsection (3) of this section and adopt the rates as part of the ordinance approving the withdrawal of the affected area. Any such determination and adoption shall be final and conclusive unless it is shown to be arbitrary and capricious.

(6) If a district adopts an ordinance that increases the rate of an excise tax described in ORS 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) , the increase shall be adjusted as prescribed in subsection (3) of this section to take into account the withdrawal of an affected area that occurred or occurs at any time after the date the district first imposed any taxes pursuant to ORS 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) . [1987 c.799 §6; 2003 c.739 §10]

Source: Section 267.260 — Withdrawal ordinance; effective date; adjustment in district tax rate as result of withdrawal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.480 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.480
267.480 TriMet Crash Advisory Committee
Status: in_force

(1) The TriMet Crash Advisory Committee is established. The committee consists of seven members appointed by TriMet’s general manager. When selecting committee members, the general manager shall seek members with a wide variety of backgrounds, including expertise or experience in transportation safety. Members must include:

(a) One member who is an expert in transportation safety engineering, design or planning, including the efforts by the City of Portland to eliminate transportation-related deaths and serious injuries in Portland.

(b) One member who is an advocate for public transportation.

(c) One member who is an advocate for pedestrians or bicyclists.

(d) One member who is an advocate for transportation safety.

(e) One member who is an advocate for elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

(f) One member who is a state or local government official with responsibilities for transportation infrastructure or safety.

(g) One member who is on TriMet’s board of directors.

(2) The term of office of each member of the committee is four years. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the general manager shall appoint a successor. A member is eligible for reappointment. In case of a vacancy for any cause, the general manager shall appoint a person to fill the office for the unexpired term.

(3) A majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(4) Official action by the committee requires the approval of a majority of the members of the committee.

(5) The committee shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.

(6) The committee shall review crashes involving TriMet vehicles that result in injury or fatality. The committee may decline to review certain crashes or categories of crashes.

(7) The committee shall:

(a) Meet biannually; and

(b) Report to TriMet’s board of directors as needed, but no less than once per year.

(8) The general manager may use a currently existing TriMet committee for the purpose of complying with this section.

(9) As used in this section, “TriMet” means the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, a mass transit district created under ORS chapter 267. [2019 c.632 §1]

Note: 267.480 (TriMet Crash Advisory Committee) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 267 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.480 — TriMet Crash Advisory Committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.371 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.371
261.371 Authority to issue and sell revenue bonds
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, revenue bonds issued and sold under this chapter may be issued and sold as prescribed in ORS chapter 287A. [1975 c.642 §7 (enacted in lieu of 261.370); 1979 c.558 §25; 1981 c.584 §1; 2007 c.783 §82]

Source: Section 261.371 — Authority to issue and sell revenue bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.025 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.025
262.025 Procedure for joint operating agency formation
Status: in_force

A joint operating agency shall be formed and come into existence by order of the Director of the State Department of Energy in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) The legislative body of each city and people’s utility district desiring to form and be a member of a joint operating agency shall adopt an ordinance declaring their intention and authorizing formation and membership. The ordinance shall be effective only if submitted to the electors of the city or people’s utility district voting on the ordinance at any general election or at a special election called for that purpose. The ordinance shall include:

(a) A statement of the purpose or purposes for which the joint operating agency is to be formed.

(b) A finding by the legislative body that the formation of a joint operating agency is necessary or desirable in order to plan for and provide an adequate supply of electric energy to meet the needs of the customers of publicly owned utilities in Oregon.

(c) A statement of the projected energy loads and resources relied upon by the legislative body to support such finding.

(d) A general description of the means by which the joint operating agency proposes to accomplish its purposes, including a description of any specific utility properties then identified as a proposed activity of the joint operating agency.

(e) A statement of the financial contribution, if any, to be made by the city or district to the joint operating agency at the time of organization as a condition of membership.

(2) Upon such approval of such an ordinance or ordinances, each such city and district shall file with the director an application to form and be a member of a joint operating agency. The application shall:

(a) State the proposed name of the operating agency, the proposed address of its principal business office, and the purpose or purposes for which it is to be formed;

(b) Contain a certified copy of the ordinance of each applicant city and district as approved by the electors; and

(c) State generally how the joint operating agency proposes to accomplish its purposes.

(3) The director shall cause notice of an application to be published forthwith in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 (Publication of rules and orders) . Such notice shall:

(a) Summarize fairly the contents of the application;

(b) Fix a date not less than 20 nor more than 30 days after the date of publication prior to which interested parties may submit in writing any data, views, or arguments with respect to the application; and

(c) Fix a date not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the date of publication for the entry of an order approving or disapproving an application.

(4) In considering the application, the director shall give full and fair consideration to all data, views and arguments submitted on behalf of the applicants or any other interested person.

(5) On or before the date fixed in subsection (3)(c) of this section, the director shall enter an order establishing the joint operating agency in accordance with the application if the director finds (a) that the statements set forth in the application are substantially correct; (b) that formation of the proposed joint operating agency is necessary or desirable to plan for or provide an adequate supply of electric energy to meet the needs of the customers of publicly owned utilities in Oregon; and (c) that adequate provision has been or can be made for financing the activities of the joint operating agency. The joint operating agency shall be established as of the date of such order.

(6) If the director finds that the application is not in the required form or that additional data is required to support the application, the director shall enter an order so finding. Such an order shall not preclude the applicants from filing a revised application based upon the same approved ordinances.

(7) If the director does not enter an order as authorized under subsection (5) or (6) of this section within 60 days after the date of publication, the application shall be considered approved, and the joint operating agency shall be established as of such 60th day.

(8) A joint operating agency, organized as provided by this section shall have all of the powers and responsibilities contained in ORS 262.005 (Definitions for ORS 262.015 to 262.105) to 262.105 (Taxation of agency property in same manner as private power corporations) .

(9) Any party who has joined in filing an application in accordance with this section, or who has filed timely objections to such application, and who feels aggrieved by any finding or order of the director shall have the right of judicial review pursuant to ORS 183.480 (Judicial review of agency orders) . [1973 c.722 §3; 2003 c.186 §11]

Source: Section 262.025 — Procedure for joint operating agency formation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.140 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.140
265.140 Powers of district
Status: in_force

The board of directors shall transact all business pertinent to the affairs of a cemetery maintenance district. The district has the power:

(1) To sue and be sued.

(2) To purchase, take by gift or devise, own, hold, manage and operate land for cemetery purposes.

(3) To acquire in any manner permitted by law existing cemeteries and to manage, operate, enlarge, maintain and beautify them.

(4) To plat and lay out in suitable cemetery lots and blocks for burial purposes any land it may own or control.

(5) To make such contracts and to purchase and own such personal property as may be necessary or convenient for carrying out the purposes of this chapter.

(6) To sell or perpetually lease cemetery lots or tracts for burial purposes.

(7) To set aside, at the discretion of the board of directors, not to exceed one-half of the moneys derived from the sale or lease of cemetery lots and tracts as an irreducible maintenance fund. Any money gift or bequest, if so designated in the instrument creating the same, shall be placed and held in the irreducible maintenance fund, and the interest of such fund shall be used in the perpetual upkeep and beautification of the cemetery and lots therein. Such fund shall be invested only in such securities as state funds may be invested in by the State Treasurer under the laws of this state.

(8) To do any and all things necessary or convenient for proper ownership, operation, maintenance and management of the district property.

(9) To levy a tax on all taxable property within the district, computed in accordance with ORS 308.207 (Computation of real market value for taxing or bonding limitations) , for the purpose of defraying the expenses of operation of the district and purchase of necessary property therefor. [Amended by 1953 c.53 §2; 1963 c.9 §10; 1971 c.647 §52; 1987 c.531 §1; 2003 c.802 §91]

Source: Section 265.140 — Powers of district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.650 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.650
268.650 Bonds as obligation of a political subdivision
Status: in_force

Revenue bonds, including refunding revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes issued under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) , shall be considered to be bonds or obligations of a political subdivision of the State of Oregon for the purposes of all laws of the state. [1977 c.95 §14; 1987 c.623 §5]

Source: Section 268.650 — Bonds as obligation of a political subdivision , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.376 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.376
264.376 Notice of assessment
Status: in_force

Within 10 days after the ordinance levying assessments is adopted, the secretary of the district shall send by registered or certified mail a notice of assessment to the owner of the assessed property, and shall publish notice of the assessment twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the district, the first publication of which shall be made not later than 10 days after the date of the assessment ordinance. The notice of assessment shall recite the date of the assessment ordinance and shall state that upon the failure of the owner of the property assessed to make application to pay the assessment in installments within 10 days from the date of the first publication of notice, or upon the failure of the owner to pay the assessment in full within 30 days after the date of the assessment ordinance, then interest will commence to run on the assessment and the property assessed will be subject to foreclosure. The notice shall also set forth a description of the property assessed, the name of the owner of the property and the amount of each assessment. [1969 c.686 §10]

Source: Section 264.376 — Notice of assessment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.660 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.660
268.660 Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660
Status: in_force

ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) are additional, alternative and supplemental authority for a district and shall not abrogate any power, right or authority otherwise granted by law to a district. [1977 c.95 §15]

Source: Section 268.660 — Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.405 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.405
261.405 Board of directors
Status: in_force

(1) The management of a people’s utility district shall be vested in a board of five directors.

(2) Upon formation of a district, annexation, consolidation, merger and after each decennial United States Census, the board of directors shall by ordinance divide the district into five subdivisions, as nearly equal in population as possible, and where practicable fix the boundaries in conformance with adjacent precinct boundaries. One director shall be elected from each of the five subdivisions.

(3) Directors shall be electors, shall reside in the subdivision from which they are respectively nominated and elected and shall have resided in the district continuously for two years immediately preceding the date of their election as directors. [Amended by 1977 c.210 §1]

Source: Section 261.405 — Board of directors; election; qualifications , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.520 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.520
267.520 Method of forming district
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to initiatory action authorized by ORS 198.705 (Definitions for ORS 198.705 to 198.955) to 198.955 (Disposition of assets) , proceedings to establish a district may be initiated by a resolution adopted by the governing body of the most populous city in the proposed district and filed with the county governing body, petitioning that body to call the election; or

(2) The petition or resolution initiating formation shall request, if the district is to impose operating taxes, that the election to establish the district include a proposed permanent rate limit for operating taxes for the district within the meaning of section 11 (3), Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. If the petition or resolution does so, the proposition to be voted on at the election shall include a proposed permanent rate limit for the district, in accordance with the petition or resolution. [1974 c.9 §4; 1997 c.541 §360]

Source: Section 267.520 — Method of forming district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.315 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.315
261.315 Acquisition of distribution facilities outside district
Status: in_force

(1) Except as to distribution facilities located in unincorporated territory at or near the boundaries of the people’s utility district and forming an interconnected part of the distribution system within the district, as determined by the county governing body after a public hearing, no facilities then being used for the distribution of electric energy outside the boundaries of the district shall be acquired by it until the acquisition thereof is approved by a majority of the electors registered in the territory in which the facilities are located, voting on that question at an election duly called for that purpose as provided in this section. If a part of the facilities is located within a city, the election shall be conducted so that the electors of the city may vote separately and have their votes counted separately, and the part within any city may not be acquired unless a majority of the electors of the city voting on the question approves.

(2) When a district desires to acquire facilities outside its boundaries for distribution of electric energy, the board of directors shall pass a resolution declaring that purpose, specifying the facilities that it desires to acquire and describing the boundaries of the territory served by the facilities so as to include all those receiving service or can be reasonably served through the facilities.

(3) A certified copy of the resolution shall be filed with the county governing body. Within 90 days thereafter, the county governing body shall designate the boundaries of the territory served by the facilities, and certify the boundaries to the counties in which they are located. The county governing body shall at the same time notify each of the counties of the call of an election for the purpose of authorizing acquisition of the facilities. This certification and notification shall be given to the county clerks of the respective counties. The notice shall state the time of the election and contain a ballot title stated in clear and concise language.

(4) The provisions of ORS 261.200 (Proclamation of district formation or boundary change) shall be complied with insofar as applicable. Ballots cast by electors of cities shall be separately kept and counted for each city. [Amended by 1973 c.796 §13a; 1979 c.558 §21; 1983 c.83 §34; 2003 c.802 §78]

Source: Section 261.315 — Acquisition of distribution facilities outside district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.200 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.200
261.200 Proclamation of district formation or boundary change
Status: in_force

(1) If a majority of votes cast at the election favors formation of the people’s utility district and authorization of the district to impose a special levy for the purposes stated in the petition for formation, or annexation of a parcel of territory or a city to an existing district, or consolidation of two or more districts, as the case may be, and in conformity with provisions of ORS 261.105 (Powers of district) and 261.110 (Areas includable in district) , the county governing body shall issue a proclamation accordingly and file a certified copy with the county clerk of each county where the district or any portion thereof is located. The proclamation for formation of a district shall be in substantially the following form:

Whereas at an election duly and regularly held on the ___ day of______, 2___, within ______ County (or ______ Counties), State of Oregon, and within the boundaries of a proposed district as herein described, there was submitted to the electors thereof the question whether or not a people’s utility district should be incorporated as the (here insert name of district) and to give authority to impose a special levy of $_____ under and pursuant to the provisions of ORS chapter 261; and

Whereas at the election so held ___ votes were cast in favor of incorporation, and ___ votes were cast against incorporation; and

Whereas the incorporation of the (here insert name of district) received the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast at the election;

Now, therefore, the undersigned hereby does proclaim and declare that all of that part of the State of Oregon, described as (here insert description) has been duly and legally incorporated as the ______ People’s Utility District under and pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the State of Oregon, and the district has the authority to collect the sum of $_____ by special levy against the taxable property within the district.

Chairperson of the County Governing Body.

By ____________

(2) The proclamation for annexing a parcel of territory or a city to an existing district or the consolidation of two or more existing districts, or both, shall be adaptations of the above proclamation.

(3) The proclamation of formation, with the notice of boundary change under ORS 308.225 (Boundary changes) , shall be filed by the district with the county assessor of each county in which any portion of the district is situated, who shall thereupon enter the special levy.

(4) Expenditure of the moneys received from the special levy for the purposes stated in the petition for district formation may be made by the district without prior adoption of a budget under ORS 294.305 (Sections constituting Local Budget Law) to 294.565 (Failure to file copy of required budget, reports or other documents) .

(5) Following proclamation of formation of a district, any person whose property has been improperly included within a district, contrary to the provisions of ORS 261.110 (Areas includable in district) (5) or (7), may petition a county governing body to revise the district boundaries to exclude the property. After notice to the district, and a hearing on the petition, the county governing body shall revise the district boundaries to exclude such property as it finds should not have been included within the district under the standards set forth in ORS 261.110 (Areas includable in district) (5) or (7). Upon such findings and boundary revisions a district shall be permitted to refund related taxes paid that are based upon assessments made after January 1, 1978. Boundary revisions shall comply with ORS 308.225 (Boundary changes) . The remedy provided in this subsection shall be available only to persons owning property in districts which were formed after January 1, 1978. [Amended by 1973 c.796 §13; 1979 c.558 §17; 1981 c.758 §2; 2003 c.14 §124; 2003 c.802 §73; 2017 c.26 §7]

Source: Section 261.200 — Proclamation of district formation or boundary change; special levy; property owner petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.390 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.390
261.390 Property taxable
Status: in_force

All taxes provided for in this chapter shall be levied upon all real and personal property situated within the boundaries of the district and by law taxable for state and county purposes. Such taxes shall be levied and collected at the time and in the manner provided for levy and collection of state and county taxes, and shall be by the county officers collecting them paid to the treasurer of the district.

Source: Section 261.390 — Property taxable; time and manner of tax levy and collection , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.348 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.348
261.348 Transactions for production, supply or delivery of electricity
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any other law, people’s utility districts and municipal electric utilities may enter into transactions with other persons or entities for the production, supply or delivery of electricity on an economic, dependable and cost-effective basis, including financial products contracts and other service contracts that reduce the risk of economic losses in the transactions. This subsection does not authorize any transaction that:

(a) Constitutes the investment of surplus funds for the purpose of receiving interest or other earnings from the investment; or

(b) Is intended or useful for any purpose other than the production, supply or delivery of electricity on a cost-effective basis.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits a people’s utility district or a municipal electric utility from entering into any transaction for the acquisition, construction, improvement or equipping of a renewable energy facility or for the purchase or sale of electricity, electrical capacity or renewable energy certificates. [1999 c.683 §1; 2007 c.301 §40; 2007 c.895 §11]

Note: 261.348 (Transactions for production, supply or delivery of electricity) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 261 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 261.348 — Transactions for production, supply or delivery of electricity; financial products contracts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.507 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.507
268.507 Excise taxes
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of a district charter, a district may by ordinance impose excise taxes on any person using the facilities, equipment, systems, functions, services or improvements owned, operated, franchised or provided by the district. [1989 c.332 §§3,4; 1997 c.833 §18]

Source: Section 268.507 — Excise taxes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.237 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.237
267.237 Criminal records check
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “District” means 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) or a transportation district organized under ORS 267.510 (Definitions for ORS 267.510 to 267.650) to 267.650 (Finance elections) .

(b) “Qualified entity” means an individual or business or organization, whether public, private, for-profit, nonprofit or voluntary, that, under contract with a district, provides individuals to operate motor vehicles for the transportation of passengers in the public transportation system of the district.

(c) “Subject individual” means a person subject to a criminal records check as specified by resolution of a mass transit district or a transportation district.

(2) A mass transit district or a transportation district shall request the Department of State Police to conduct criminal records checks of subject individuals if the checks are required in order to protect vulnerable Oregonians:

(a) To implement a federal or state statute, executive order or rule that expressly refers to criminal conduct and contains requirements or exclusions expressly based on such conduct;

(b) For district employment purposes when hiring individuals to operate motor vehicles of the district; or

(c) For the purposes of employment decisions made by a district for qualified entities that, under contracts with the district, employ individuals to operate motor vehicles for the transportation of passengers in the public transportation system of the district.

(3) A mass transit district that has a population of more than 500,000 may request the Department of State Police to conduct a criminal records check of a subject individual who is:

(a) Seeking employment by the district in a position that provides the individual with access to critical infrastructure or security sensitive facilities or information; or

(b) Seeking to provide services to the district that will result in the individual’s having access to critical infrastructure or security sensitive facilities or information.

(4) In order to determine the suitability of the subject individual, a district shall require the subject individual to furnish to the district a full set of fingerprints to enable a criminal records check to be conducted. The district shall submit the completed fingerprint cards to the Department of State Police along with the applicable Oregon and Federal Bureau of Investigation processing fees. If no disqualifying record is identified at the state level, the Department of State Police shall forward the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal records check.

(5) The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall either return or destroy the fingerprint cards used to conduct the criminal records check and shall not keep any record of the fingerprints, except that the Federal Bureau of Investigation may retain the fingerprint cards and records of the fingerprints for purposes described in ORS 181A.205 (Voluntary fingerprint retention program) . However, if the federal bureau policy authorizing return or destruction of the fingerprint cards is changed, a district shall cease to cause the cards to be sent to the federal bureau but shall continue to process the information through other available resources.

(6) If the Federal Bureau of Investigation returns the fingerprint cards to the Department of State Police, the Department of State Police shall destroy the fingerprint cards and may not retain facsimiles or other material from which a fingerprint can be reproduced, except that the Department of State Police may retain the fingerprint cards or create facsimiles for the purpose of providing information under ORS 181A.205 (Voluntary fingerprint retention program) .

(7) If only a state criminal records check is conducted, after the criminal records check is completed, the Department of State Police shall destroy the fingerprint cards and the results of the criminal records check provided to the district and may not retain facsimiles or other material from which a fingerprint can be reproduced, except that the Department of State Police may retain the fingerprint cards and results or create facsimiles for the purpose of providing information under ORS 181A.205 (Voluntary fingerprint retention program) .

(8) The district and the Department of State Police shall permit a subject individual to inspect the individual’s own Oregon and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal offender records after positive fingerprint identification has been made.

(9) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A district, subject to rules adopted by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services under ORS 181A.215 (Oregon Department of Administrative Services to adopt rules relating to certain aspects of criminal records checks) , shall determine whether a subject individual is fit to operate motor vehicles for the transportation of passengers in the public transportation system of the district or to hold a position or provide services that provide the individual with access to critical infrastructure or security sensitive facilities or information. If a subject individual is determined to be unfit, then that person shall not be allowed to operate motor vehicles for the transportation of passengers in the public transportation system of the district or to hold the position or provide services that provide the individual with access to critical infrastructure or security sensitive facilities or information.

(b) In making the fitness determination, the district shall consider:

(A) The nature of the crime;

(B) The facts that support the conviction or pending indictment or indicate the making of a false statement;

(C) The relevancy, if any, of the crime or the false statement to the specific requirements of the subject individual’s present or proposed position or employment; and

(D) Intervening circumstances relevant to the responsibilities and circumstances of the position or employment, such as:

(i) The passage of time since the commission of the crime;

(ii) The age of the person at the time of the crime;

(iii) The likelihood of a repetition of offenses; and

(iv) The subsequent commission of another relevant crime and the recommendation of an employer.

(10) A district shall develop a system that maintains information regarding criminal records checks in order to minimize the administrative burden that criminal records check requirements impose upon subject individuals and providers. Records maintained under this subsection for subject individuals are confidential and may not be disseminated except for the purposes of this section and in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the district. Nothing in this subsection permits a district to retain fingerprint cards of subject individuals.

(11) A district, in consultation with the Department of State Police and affected provider groups, shall adopt resolutions to implement this section and other statutes relating to criminal offender information. The resolutions may include but need not be limited to:

(a) Specifying which employees are authorized to make criminal record inquiries;

(b) Identifying applicable categories of subject individuals as specified by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services under ORS 181A.215 (Oregon Department of Administrative Services to adopt rules relating to certain aspects of criminal records checks) who are subject to criminal records checks by the district;

(c) Identifying applicable information that may be required from a subject individual to permit a criminal records check as specified by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services under ORS 181A.215 (Oregon Department of Administrative Services to adopt rules relating to certain aspects of criminal records checks) ;

(d) Specifying which services or qualified entities are subject to this section;

(e) Specifying when a district, in lieu of conducting a completely new criminal records check, may proceed to make a fitness determination under this section using the information maintained by the district under subsection (10) of this section; and

(f) Determining when a subject individual may be hired on a probationary basis pending a criminal records check, provided that if there is any indication of criminal behavior by the subject individual, the resolution must require that, if the individual is hired, the individual can be hired only on a probationary basis and must be actively supervised at all times when the individual is in contact with children, the elderly or persons with disabilities.

(12) Criminal offender information is confidential. The Department of State Police shall adopt rules to restrict dissemination of information received under this section to persons with a demonstrated and legitimate need to know the information. Any district receiving information pursuant to this section is bound by the rules of disclosure adopted by the department.

(13) If a subject individual refuses to consent to the criminal records check or refuses to be fingerprinted, the district or qualified entity shall deny or terminate the employment of the individual, or revoke or deny any applicable position, authority to provide services or employment.

(14) A district shall define by resolution the conditions under which subject individuals may participate in training, orientation and work activities pending completion of a criminal records check through the Law Enforcement Data System or nationwide criminal records check. At a minimum, subject individuals shall be actively supervised at all times that they are in contact with children, the elderly and persons with disabilities during such periods of training, orientation and work. Subject individuals may continue probationary employment while awaiting the nationwide criminal records check as long as the individual’s criminal records check through the Law Enforcement Data System did not result in disqualification and there are no other indications of criminal behavior.

(15) If a district or a qualified entity requires a criminal records check of employees or other persons, the application forms of the district or qualified entity must contain a notice that employment is subject to fingerprinting and a criminal records check as required by this section. [1999 c.1057 §3; 2005 c.730 §65; 2015 c.705 §4; 2015 c.758 §4]

Note: 267.237 (Criminal records check) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 267 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.237 — Criminal records check; authority of district to require fingerprints; fitness determinations; rules regarding dissemination , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.147 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.147
261.147 Resolution to remove territory not served by district
Status: in_force

(1) When any parcels of territory within an existing district are not being served by the district, the board of directors of the district may fix a place and time for a public hearing to consider the removal of such parcels from the district.

(2) Notice stating the time and place of the hearing shall be published in accordance with ORS 261.161 (Hearing by county governing body) (1). The hearing may be adjourned from time to time, but shall not exceed four weeks in length. Public testimony shall be taken at the hearing.

(3) Upon conclusion of the public hearing the board may by resolution remove such parcels, or any of them, from the district. The resolution shall become effective 30 days after passage, unless written requests for an election are filed as provided by subsection (4) of this section.

(4) If written requests for an election are filed with the board within 30 days after passage of the resolution by not less than 15 percent of the electors or 100 electors registered in the parcels to be removed, whichever is the lesser number, an election on the question of removal of the parcels described in the resolution shall be held on the next scheduled general or special election date.

(5) The electors eligible to vote in the election described in subsection (4) of this section shall be those electors who reside on the parcels described in the resolution.

(6) From the date of removal, liability of the territory removed from the district for assessments and taxes levied after the date of removal by the district and for bonded and other indebtedness shall be in accordance with ORS 198.880 (Effect on withdrawn area) and 198.882 (Tax relief to withdrawn area) . [1987 c.824 §3]

Source: Section 261.147 — Resolution to remove territory not served by district; hearing; notice; election on question of removal; effect of removal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.390 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.390
267.390 Acceptance of funds from United States
Status: in_force

The district may:

(1) Accept, without limitation by any other provision of ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) requiring approval of indebtedness, any contributions or loans from the United States for the purpose of carrying out any provision of ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) ; and

(2) Do anything that the board considers necessary in order to avail itself of aid, assistance or cooperation under this section under any federal law. [1969 c.643 §37]

Source: Section 267.390 — Acceptance of funds from United States , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.430 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.430
267.430 Certain state agencies exempt from employer payroll tax
Status: in_force

ORS 267.300 (Authority of district to finance system) , 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) , 267.410 (Certain districts authorized to impose employer payroll tax on state agencies and political subdivisions) to 267.430 (Certain state agencies exempt from employer payroll tax) do not apply to entities described in ORS 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) (1)(a)(C) that made, and that continue to make, payments under the provisions of ORS 291.405 (Assessment of state agencies for mass transit purposes) and 291.407 (Mass Transit Assistance Account) equivalent to the rate in effect on January 1, 1989. If a mass transit district or transportation district does not collect a tax under ORS 267.300 (Authority of district to finance system) (1)(g) or 267.615 (Financing methods) (1)(g), ORS 267.300 (Authority of district to finance system) , 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) and 267.410 (Certain districts authorized to impose employer payroll tax on state agencies and political subdivisions) to 267.430 (Certain state agencies exempt from employer payroll tax) do not affect payment under ORS 291.405 (Assessment of state agencies for mass transit purposes) and 291.407 (Mass Transit Assistance Account) . [1989 c.869 §6]

Source: Section 267.430 — Certain state agencies exempt from employer payroll tax , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.334 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.334
267.334 Electoral approval for issuance of general obligation bonds by Tri-Met to fund extension of light rail
Status: in_force

(1) If the line extending Tri-Met’s regional light rail system north from Clackamas County, Oregon, is not part of a phased project that will serve both the Portland metropolitan region and Clark County, Washington, then prior to the issuance by Tri-Met of any general obligation bonds to fund its share of the line extending Tri-Met’s regional light rail system north from Clackamas County, Oregon, Tri-Met shall submit to its electors the question of the issuance of such general obligation bonds.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “Portland metropolitan region” means the area within the urban growth boundary established by Metro as that boundary existed on July 1, 1995.

(b) “Metro” means the metropolitan service district created under ORS chapter 268 and exercising home rule charter powers.

(c) “Tri-Met” means the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, a mass transit district created under ORS chapter 267. [Formerly 197.587]

Note: 267.334 (Electoral approval for issuance of general obligation bonds by Tri-Met to fund extension of light rail) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 267 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.334 — Electoral approval for issuance of general obligation bonds by Tri-Met to fund extension of light rail , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.131 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.131
261.131 Period for county clerk to certify petition
Status: in_force

Within 10 days after receipt of an electors’ petition the county clerk shall certify the sufficiency of signatures to the county governing body. [1979 c.558 §10]

Source: Section 261.131 — Period for county clerk to certify petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.302 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.302
267.302 Restrictions on financing for districts formed under ORS 267.107
Status: repealed

If a mass transit district was initiated by a resolution pursuant to ORS 267.107 (Resolution to create certain districts) , the district shall not use any method of financing under ORS 267.300 (Authority of district to finance system) other than a method of financing authorized to be used under ORS 267.300 (Authority of district to finance system) (1)(b), (h) to (j) without first obtaining authorization at a properly called election held for that purpose. [1975 c.632 §2a; 1979 c.585 §3; 1983 c.323 §2; 1983 c.749 §2; 1987 c.825 §2]

Note: 267.302 (Restrictions on financing for districts formed under ORS 267.107) is repealed January 1, 2026. See sections 4 and 7, chapter 4, Oregon Laws 2018.

Source: Section 267.302 — Restrictions on financing for districts formed under ORS 267.107 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.085 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.085
262.085 Authority to issue revenue obligations
Status: in_force

(1) To accomplish any of its corporate purposes, a joint operating agency shall have the power to issue revenue obligations payable from the revenues derived by it from its ownership of, or its participation in or contribution to the ownership or development of, any one or more utility properties. The issuance of such revenue obligations shall be governed by the provisions of subsections (2) to (13) of this section.

(2) The board of directors shall issue revenue obligations only by bond resolution. The bond resolution shall specify the corporate purposes for which the proceeds of the revenue obligations shall be expended, declare the cost of carrying out such purposes as nearly as possible, contain such covenants, and provide for the issuance and sale of revenue obligations in such form and amount as the directors determine. In declaring such cost, the directors may include the funds necessary for working capital, reserves, fuel and fuel assemblies, interest during construction and for a reasonable period thereafter, the payment of organizational and planning expenses, the repayment of advances and such other expenses as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of such resolution. The bond resolution may provide that utility properties subsequently acquired or constructed by the joint operating agency shall be considered betterments or additions to, or extensions of the specified utility property, whether or not physically connected.

(3) The bond resolution may provide for the establishment of one or more special funds, and such funds may be under the control of the board or one or more trustees. The bond resolution may obligate the joint operating agency to deposit and expend the proceeds of the revenue obligations only into and from such fund or funds, and to set aside and pay into such fund or funds any fixed proportion or fixed amount of the revenues derived by it from any or all of its utility properties or other corporate activities, as the board in its discretion considers in the best interest of the agency. The board may issue and sell revenue obligations payable as to interest and principal only out of such fund or funds. In creating any special fund for the payment of revenue obligations, the board shall have due regard to the cost of operation and maintenance of the joint operating agency’s utility properties, and to any proportion or amount of the revenues previously pledged as a fund for the payment of revenue obligations, and shall not obligate the agency to set aside into such special fund or funds a greater amount or proportion of the revenues and proceeds than in its judgment will be available over and above such cost of maintenance and operation and the amount or proportion of the revenues previously pledged.

(4) Any revenue obligations and the interest thereon issued against any fund provided for in subsection (3) of this section shall be a valid claim of the holder thereof only as against such special fund and the proportion or amount of the revenues pledged to such fund, but shall constitute a prior charge over all other charges or claims whatsoever, against such fund and the proportion or amount of the revenues pledged to the fund. Each revenue obligation shall state on its face that it is payable from a special fund, naming the fund and the resolution creating it, or shall describe the alternate method for the payment thereof as provided by the resolution authorizing the fund.

(5) Any pledge of revenues or other moneys or obligations made by a joint operating agency shall be valid and binding from the time that the pledge is made and recorded in the minute book of the joint operating agency. Revenues or other moneys or obligations so pledged and later received by a joint operating agency shall immediately be subject to the lien of the pledge without any physical delivery or further act. The lien of the pledge shall be valid and binding against any parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against a joint operating agency, irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded except in the minute book of the joint operating agency, nor shall the filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code be required to perfect such pledge.

(6) The revenue obligations issued under the provisions of subsections (1) to (5) of this section shall bear such date or dates, mature in such amounts at such time or times, be in such denominations, be in such form, either coupon or registered or both, carry such registration privileges, be made transferable, exchangeable and interchangeable, be payable in such medium, at such place or places, and be subject to such terms of redemption as the board of directors shall declare in the bond resolution.

(7) Any resolution authorizing any revenue obligation, and any revenue obligation, may provide for and contain such covenants in favor of the purchaser or holder of such obligation as the board of directors shall determine to be necessary, desirable, or convenient in order to secure and protect the obligation and its purchaser or holder and to enhance the marketability of the obligation. Among other things, such covenants may define events of default, provide for the appointment of a trustee or receiver in the event of default, and provide that any such trustee or receiver may take possession and control of any portion or all of the business and property of the joint operating agency upon the occasion of any event of default.

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the revenue obligations issued by a joint operating agency may be sold by the board of directors upon such terms and conditions and at such rate or rates of interest and for such price or prices as it may consider most advantageous to the joint operating agency, with or without public bidding. The board of directors may make contracts for the future sale from time to time of revenue obligations by which the contract purchasers shall be committed to the prices, terms and conditions stated in such contract, and the board of directors may pay such consideration as it deems proper for such commitments.

(9) The board of directors may provide by resolution for the issuance of funding and refunding revenue obligations in order to take up and refund any one or more series, or portion of a series, of outstanding revenue obligations at such time or times at or prior to the maturity thereof as it may determine. Such refunding revenue obligations may be sold or exchanged at par or otherwise as the board of directors determines is in the best interest of the joint operating agency.

(10) The board of directors may provide in any contract for the construction, acquisition or improvement of utility properties that payment shall be made only in outstanding revenue obligations at their par value.

(11) All revenue obligations issued pursuant to this section shall be legal securities which may be used by any bank or trust company for deposit with the State Treasurer or a county treasurer or city treasurer, as security for deposits in lieu of a surety bond under any law relating to deposits of public moneys and shall constitute legal investments for trustees and other fiduciaries other than corporations doing a trust business in this state and for savings and loan associations, banks and insurance companies doing a trust business in the state. All such revenue obligations and all coupons appertaining thereto shall be negotiable instruments within the meaning of and for all purposes of the law of this state.

(12) All revenue obligations issued pursuant to this section, the interest thereon, and investment income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxes levied by the state, its agencies, instrumentalities, and political subdivisions.

(13) Neither the board of directors of the joint operating agency nor any person executing any revenue obligation or other evidence of indebtedness shall be liable personally thereon or shall be subject to personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance thereof. [1973 c.722 §9]

Source: Section 262.085 — Authority to issue revenue obligations; procedure; rights and duties created by revenue obligations; interest rate; exemption from state taxation; immunity from personal liability in connection with issuance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.355 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.355
261.355 Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of carrying into effect the powers granted in this chapter, any district may issue and sell revenue bonds, when authorized by a majority of its electors voting at any primary election, general election or special election.

(2) All revenue bonds issued and sold under this chapter shall be so conditioned as to be paid solely from that portion of the revenues derived by the district from the sale of water, waterpower and electricity, or any of them, or any other service, commodity or facility which may be produced, used or furnished in connection therewith, remaining after paying from those revenues all expenses of operation and maintenance, including taxes.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section and subject to subsection (4) of this section, any district may, by a duly adopted resolution of its board, issue and sell revenue bonds for the purpose of financing betterments and extensions of the district, including renewable energy facilities or the purchase or sale of electricity, electrical capacity or renewable energy certificates, but the amount of revenue bonds so issued shall be limited to the reasonable value of the betterments and extensions plus an amount not to exceed 10 percent thereof for administrative purposes. Revenue bonds shall not be issued and sold for the purpose of acquiring an initial utility system or acquiring property or facilities owned by another entity that provides electric utility service unless:

(a) The acquisition is a voluntary transaction between the district and the other entity that provides electric utility service; or

(b) The electors within the district have approved issuance of the bonds by a vote.

(4) Not later than the 30th day prior to a board meeting at which adoption of a resolution under subsection (3) of this section will be considered, the district shall:

(a) Provide for and give public notice, reasonably calculated to give actual notice to interested persons including news media which have requested notice, of the time and place of the meeting and of the intent of the board to consider and possibly adopt the resolution; and

(b) Mail to its customers notice of the time and place of the meeting and of the intent of the board to consider and possibly adopt the resolution.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this section, any authorizing resolution adopted for the purposes of subsection (3) of this section shall provide that electors residing within the district may file a petition with the district asking to have the question of whether to issue such bonds referred to a vote.

(6) If within 60 days after adoption of a resolution under subsection (3) of this section the district receives petitions containing valid signatures of not fewer than five percent of the electors of the district, the question of issuing the bonds shall be placed on the ballot at the next date on which a district election may be held under ORS 255.345 (Special election dates) (1).

(7) When petitions containing the number of signatures required under subsection (6) of this section are filed with the district within 60 days after adoption of a resolution under subsection (3) of this section, revenue bonds shall not be sold until the resolution is approved by a majority of the electors of the district voting on the resolution.

(8) Any district issuing revenue bonds may pledge that part of the revenue which the district may derive from its operations as security for payment of principal and interest thereon remaining after payment from such revenues of all expenses of operation and maintenance, including taxes, and consistent with the other provisions of this chapter.

(9) Prior to any district board taking formal action to issue and sell any revenue bonds under this section, the board shall have on file with the secretary of the district a certificate executed by a qualified engineer that the net annual revenues of the district, including the property to be acquired or constructed with the proceeds of the bonds, shall be sufficient to pay the maximum amount that will be due in any one fiscal year for both principal of and interest on both the bonds then proposed to be issued and all bonds of the district then outstanding.

(10) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the district shall order an election for the authorization of revenue bonds to finance the acquisition or construction of an 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, as early as practicable under ORS 255.345 (Special election dates) after filing the certificate required under subsection (9) of this section. An election for the authorization of revenue bonds to finance the acquisition or construction of an initial utility system shall be held no more than twice in any one calendar year for any district. In even-numbered years no election shall be held on any other date than the date of the primary election or general election.

(11) A district may issue revenue bonds under ORS 287A.150 (Authority of public body to issue revenue bonds) without an election authorizing the issuance, except that revenue bonds shall not be issued under ORS 287A.150 (Authority of public body to issue revenue bonds) for the purpose of acquiring an initial utility system or acquiring property or facilities owned by another entity that provides electric utility service unless:

(a) The acquisition is a voluntary transaction between the district and the other entity that provides electric utility service; or

(b) The electors within the district have approved issuance of the bonds by a vote. [Amended by 1959 c.548 §1; 1979 c.558 §24; 1987 c.267 §71; 1991 c.358 §5; 1991 c.572 §§1,2; 1995 c.79 §91; 1995 c.712 §97; 2003 c.14 §125; 2007 c.301 §41; 2007 c.783 §232c; 2007 c.895 §12a]

Source: Section 261.355 — Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.210 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.210
261.210 Payment of election expenses
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, all expenses in any county of any election held under this chapter for formation of a district and election of a board of directors shall be paid from the general fund of the county in the same manner that other claims against the county are paid.

(2) When formation of a district is initiated by electors’ petition, the county court may require a bond, a cash deposit or other security deposit from the chief petitioners as provided in ORS 198.775 (Security deposit to accompany petition) .

(3) When preparing the county budget for the fiscal year following an election described in subsection (1) of this section, the county court shall include an item in the budget to reimburse the general fund for the disbursement for the election, unless the costs of the election are paid from a bond, a cash deposit or other security deposit under subsection (2) of this section. This item shall be assessed to and paid by the assessable property of the territory in which the election is held in the same manner that other taxes are assessed and paid. [Amended by 1983 c.567 §21]

Source: Section 261.210 — Payment of election expenses; security deposit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.590 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.590
267.590 Interagency agreements
Status: in_force

A district may contract with any public or private agency for the agency to operate any facility or perform any function that the district is authorized to operate or perform. By contract the district may assume any function of any public corporation, city or county in the district that the district has power to assume under ORS 267.510 (Definitions for ORS 267.510 to 267.650) to 267.650 (Finance elections) . [1974 c.9 §11]

Source: Section 267.590 — Interagency agreements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.635 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.635
261.635 Procedure exclusive
Status: in_force

No contest of any proceeding, matter or thing by this chapter provided to be had or done by the board of directors, by the district, by the county governing body or by any elector of the district, shall be had or maintained at any time or in any manner except as provided in ORS 261.605 (Testing validity of certain commission and board proceedings) to 261.630 (Institution of proceeding by elector) . [Amended by 1979 c.558 §28; 1983 c.85 §36]

Source: Section 261.635 — Procedure exclusive , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 263.230 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 263 / Section 263.230
263.230 Commission board of directors
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall be managed and controlled by a board of directors consisting of all nine commissioners, who shall be appointed by the governing body of a county. The governing body of a county shall appoint commissioners so as to assure fair representation of the various geographic areas of the county by the board of directors. The directors may be removed for cause or at the will of the governing body of a county.

(2) Immediately after January 15 of each year, the board shall hold its annual meeting. It shall elect one of the members president, another vice president, another treasurer and another secretary to perform the duties of those respective offices. The officers serve from the date of their election until their successors are elected and qualified.

(3) The board of directors shall adopt and may amend rules for calling and conducting its meetings and carrying out its business and may adopt an official seal. All decisions of the board shall be by motion or resolution and shall be recorded in the board’s minute book which shall be a public record. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and a majority of the board shall be sufficient for the passage of any such motion or resolution.

(4) If a vacancy occurs on the board, the governing body of the county shall appoint a new member, who shall serve for the remainder of the vacated term.

(5) The board may employ such employees and agents as it deems appropriate and provide for their compensation. [1985 c.654 §3]

Source: Section 263.230 — Commission board of directors; meetings; vacancies; employees and agents , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors263.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.007 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.007
261.007 Policy
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to implement the intent and purpose of section 12, Article XI, of the Oregon Constitution including authorization for the establishment of people’s utility districts to develop the water and energy resources of this state for the benefit of the people of this state and to supply public utility service, including water, water power and electric energy for all uses and users. [1979 c.588 §2]

Source: Section 261.007 — Policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 263.210 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 263 / Section 263.210
263.210 Creation of sports and convention facilities commission by ballot measure
Status: in_force

(1) The governing body of a county may submit to a vote by the electors of that county a proposition for the creation of a sports and convention facilities commission.

(2) The ballot measure shall specify:

(a) The name of the commission, which shall be “The Multi-Event and Convention Facilities Commission of _____ County, Oregon” or other similar distinctive name.

(b) The number of commissioners, which shall be nine.

(3) Upon the approval by the voters of such a ballot measure in a county-wide election, the commission shall be deemed established as a municipal corporation of this state and as a body corporate and politic exercising public powers. [1985 c.654 §1; subsections (2) and (3) formerly 263.220]

Source: Section 263.210 — Creation of sports and convention facilities commission by ballot measure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors263.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.382 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.382
264.382 Deficit assessment
Status: in_force

In the event that an assessment is made before the total cost of the improvement is ascertained, and if it is found that the amount of the assessment is insufficient to defray the expenses of the improvement, the district board may, by motion, declare such deficit and prepare a proposed deficit assessment. The board shall set a time for a hearing of objections to such deficit assessment and shall direct the secretary to publish one notice thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the district. After the hearing the board shall make a just and equitable deficit assessment by ordinance, which shall be entered in the lien docket as provided by ORS 264.362 (Initiation of proceedings) to 264.394 (Enforcement of assessment lien) . Notices of the deficit assessment shall be published and mailed and the collection of the assessment shall be made in accordance with ORS 264.376 (Notice of assessment) and 264.378 (Assessment lien records) . [1969 c.686 §13]

Source: Section 264.382 — Deficit assessment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.710 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.710
268.710 Electors of county may adopt, amend, revise or repeal district charter
Status: repealed

(1) The electors of any metropolitan service district, by majority vote of such electors voting thereon at any legally called election, may adopt, amend, revise or repeal a charter for the district. The charter, or legislation passed by the district pursuant thereto, shall provide a method whereby the electors of the district, by majority vote of such electors voting thereon at any legally called election, may amend, revise or repeal the charter.

(2) Provisions of a district charter and district legislation that relate to the amendment, revision or repeal of a district charter are matters of metropolitan concern and shall prevail over conflicting provisions of state law that are first effective after January 1, 1999, unless such law specifically provides otherwise. After January 1, 1997, no person may commence or maintain an action to challenge the validity of a district charter existing and effective on January 1, 1997, on the basis of inconsistency or conflict between the district charter and ORS 268.030 (Purpose of chapter) , 268.300 (Existence, status and general powers of district) , 268.310 (Powers of district) , 268.317 (Solid and liquid waste disposal powers) , 268.318 (District approval required for disposal, transfer or resource recovery site or facility) , 268.320 (Elector approval of district actions) , 268.330 (Powers when providing local aspects of service) , 268.340 (Acquisition of property) , 268.345 (Limitation on condemnation power for certain facilities) , 268.357 (Authority to sell certain information) , 268.360 (Authority to exercise police power) , 268.370 (Authority to take over transit system of mass transit district) , 268.500 (Levy, collection, enforcement of ad valorem taxes) , 268.505 (Income tax) , 268.507 (Excise taxes) , 268.520 (Authority to issue and sell general obligation bonds) , 268.525 (Refunding bonds) , 268.530 (Bond elections) , 268.590 (Credit enhancement of district bonds and other obligations) , 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) and 268.990 (Penalties) . To the extent that provisions of a district charter limit the exercise of a power granted by the statutes listed in this subsection, the provisions of the district charter shall be given full force and effect. In addition to any authority expressly granted to a metropolitan service district by the Legislative Assembly, a district charter is an independent grant of authority by the affected electorate pursuant to section 1 (5), Article IV and section 2, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

(3) A charter of a metropolitan service district shall prescribe the organization of the district government and shall provide directly, or by its authority, for the number, election or appointment, qualifications, tenure, compensation, powers and duties of such officers as the district considers necessary. Such officers shall among them exercise all the powers and perform all the duties, as granted to, imposed upon or distributed among district officers by the Constitution or laws of this state, by the district charter or by its authority.

(4) Any reference to the executive officer of a metropolitan service district in statutes of this state relating to elections or government ethics shall be construed to include any district officer who serves in an elective office and performs executive functions. Any reference in a district charter to a district court judge may be construed as referring to a judge of the circuit court.

(5) As used in this section, “legally called election” means an election held on the same date as a primary election or general election held throughout this state.

(6) Consistent with ORS 197.013 (Implementation and enforcement are of statewide concern) , the land use planning authority granted to a district under ORS chapter 268 is a matter of statewide concern. Provisions of a district charter and implementing ordinances adopted and effective on January 1, 1997, that establish procedural requirements relating to the exercise of land use planning authority of the district, including but not limited to requirements for local government advisory committees, are supplementary to ORS 268.380 (Land-use planning goals and activities) , 268.385 (District as regional planning coordinator) , 268.390 (Planning for activities and areas with metropolitan impact) and ORS chapters 197 and 197A. After January 1, 1997, no person may commence or maintain an action to challenge the validity of such district charter provisions or implementing ordinances on the basis of inconsistency or conflict with the procedural requirements of ORS 268.380 (Land-use planning goals and activities) , 268.385 (District as regional planning coordinator) or 268.390 (Planning for activities and areas with metropolitan impact) or the procedural requirements of ORS chapters 197 and 197A existing on January 1, 1997.

(7) If a district charter is repealed, the provisions of the charter providing for district officers, their powers and duties and the election of such officers shall continue in effect until the Legislative Assembly provides by law for the restructuring or dissolution of the district. [1991 c.72 §1; 1995 c.712 §102; 1997 c.833 §19]

Note: 268.710 (Electors of county may adopt, amend, revise or repeal district charter) 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 268.710 — Electors of county may adopt, amend, revise or repeal district charter; limitation on certain actions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.203 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.203
267.203 Authority to enter into transaction for electricity or diesel fuel
Status: in_force

(1) A mass transit district may enter into transactions with persons or entities for the supply or delivery of electricity or diesel fuel on an economic, dependable and cost-effective basis, including transactions involving financial products contracts and agreements for exchange of fixed and variable pricing agreements and other service contracts that reduce the risk of economic losses in transactions for the supply or delivery of electricity or diesel fuel.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a mass transit district may not enter into a transaction for the supply or delivery of electricity or diesel fuel that:

(a) Constitutes the investment of surplus funds for the purpose of receiving interest or other earnings from the investment; or

(b) Is for any purpose other than the supply or delivery of electricity or diesel fuel on a cost-effective basis. [2007 c.894 §6]

Note: 267.203 (Authority to enter into transaction for electricity or diesel fuel) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 267 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.203 — Authority to enter into transaction for electricity or diesel fuel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.470 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.470
261.470 Accounting system adopted by board
Status: in_force

(1) The board shall adopt the effective uniform system of accounts prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and require that accounting for receipts and disbursements for the district be accomplished in accordance with said system of accounts.

(2) The board shall file with the Director of the State Department of Energy and with the county clerk of each county included within the boundaries of the district an annual report in the form required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

(3) 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 with each county clerk of the county in which the district or any portion of the boundaries of the district is located, and in the office of the Secretary of State and in the office of the Director of the State Department of Energy, where it shall remain a public record. [Amended by 1953 c.354 §2; 1977 c.774 §16; 1979 c.286 §3; 1985 c.474 §4]

Source: Section 261.470 — Accounting system adopted by board; annual reports; annual audit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.225 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.225
267.225 Intergovernmental agreements
Status: in_force

(1) A mass transit district may cooperate with or enter into agreements with any city, county, port or state agency having jurisdiction or control over any right of way that is available for public travel for the joint use of such right of way. A city, county, port or state agency may cooperate with or enter agreements with a district for the joint use of any right of way open to public travel located within the district.

(2) For the purpose of providing a mass transit system, a district may commence a condemnation proceeding to acquire land or an interest in land for right of way for the system over any public right of way already located, condemned or occupied or that may be located, condemned or occupied by some other public agency for the purpose of travel by the public. The proceeding shall be conducted as provided by the laws of this state for the condemnation of land or an interest in land for right of way for highway purposes. At the time of rendering judgment for compensation or damages, the court shall enter a judgment authorizing the district to occupy and use the right of way, if necessary, in common with the public agency already occupying or owning the right of way, and defining the terms and conditions upon which the right of way shall be so occupied and used in common. [1969 c.643 §12; 2003 c.576 §410; 2003 c.802 §93]

Source: Section 267.225 — Intergovernmental agreements; condemnation of authority; joint occupancy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.612 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.612
267.612 Acquisition of district lands by adverse possession or operation of statute of limitations prohibited
Status: in_force

The rights of a transportation district to lands owned by the district are not extinguished by adverse possession. A person may not acquire title or property rights to lands owned by the district through operation of a statute of limitations. [2009 c.307 §2]

Note: 267.612 (Acquisition of district lands by adverse possession or operation of statute of limitations prohibited) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 267 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.612 — Acquisition of district lands by adverse possession or operation of statute of limitations prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.445 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.445
261.445 Appointment and removal of district manager
Status: in_force

(1) The board, before or at the time the district commences construction or operation of any utility or service, shall appoint a manager, who shall be an experienced executive with administrative ability. The manager shall be appointed for an indefinite time and be removable at the action of the board. Appointments and removals shall be by resolutions adopted by a majority vote. The manager shall receive such salary as the board shall fix by resolution.

(2) In case of absence or temporary disability of the manager, the board shall designate some competent person as acting manager.

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

(a) Carry out orders of the board to see that all laws of this state pertaining to matters within the functions of the department are duly enforced.

(b) Keep the board advised as to the financial condition and needs of the district.

(c) Prepare an annual estimate for the ensuing fiscal year of the probable expenses of the department, 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 salaries of the employees of the office of the manager, and a scale of salaries or wages to be paid for different classes of service required by the district.

(f) Hire and discharge clerks, laborers and other employees under direction of the manager.

(g) Perform such other duties as may be imposed upon the manager by the board.

(4) The manager shall not contribute any money in aid of or in opposition to the election of any candidate for people’s utility district director, or advocate or oppose any such election.

Source: Section 261.445 — Appointment and removal of district manager; qualifications; salary; acting manager; powers and duties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.410 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.410
267.410 Certain districts authorized to impose employer payroll tax on state agencies and political subdivisions
Status: in_force

ORS 267.300 (Authority of district to finance system) , 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) and 267.410 (Certain districts authorized to impose employer payroll tax on state agencies and political subdivisions) to 267.430 (Certain state agencies exempt from employer payroll tax) apply only to a mass transit district situated in a metropolitan statistical area with a population exceeding 400,000. [1989 c.869 §7; 2009 c.11 §31]

Source: Section 267.410 — Certain districts authorized to impose employer payroll tax on state agencies and political subdivisions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.015 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.015
262.015 Authority for joint operating agency formation
Status: in_force

(1) Any three or more cities or people’s utility districts or combinations thereof, organized under the laws of this state, may form a joint operating agency to plan, acquire, construct, own, operate and otherwise promote the development of utility properties for the generation, transmission and marketing of electricity, electrical capacity or renewable energy certificates.

(2) A joint operating agency may participate with other publicly owned utilities, including other joint operating agencies, or with electric cooperatives, or with privately owned electric utility companies, or with any combination thereof, for any purpose set forth in subsection (1) of this section, whether such agencies or utilities are organized or incorporated under the laws of this state or any other jurisdiction. However, no joint operating agency may act alone or as the managing participant to acquire, construct, own or operate utility properties.

(3) Joint operating agencies, cities, people’s utility districts and privately owned utilities, or combinations thereof, may participate in joint ownership of common facilities in accordance with ORS 225.450 (Definitions for ORS 225.450 to 225.490) to 225.490 (Use of municipal money or property) or 261.235 (Definitions for ORS 261.235 to 261.255) to 261.255 (Use of district money or property) . [1973 c.722 §2; 2007 c.301 §43; 2007 c.895 §14]

Source: Section 262.015 — Authority for joint operating agency formation; powers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.470 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.470
264.470 Deposit and withdrawal of moneys
Status: in_force

(1) The money of a district shall be deposited in one or more qualified depositories, as defined in ORS 295.001 (Definitions for ORS 295.001 to 295.108) , to be designated by the board of commissioners. The money shall be withdrawn or paid out only when previously ordered by vote of the board, and upon checks signed by the treasurer or such other person as may be authorized by resolution of the board. Receipts or vouchers, showing clearly the nature and items covered by each check drawn, shall be kept on file.

(2) All the proceedings of the board of commissioners shall be entered at large in a record book. All books, maps, plans, documents, correspondence, vouchers, reports and other papers and records pertaining to the business of the district shall be carefully preserved and shall be open to inspection as public records. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §34; 1969 c.694 §6; 1971 c.36 §3; 2001 c.215 §4; 2019 c.587 §35]

Source: Section 264.470 — Deposit and withdrawal of moneys; annual reports; records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.350 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.350
264.350 Street lighting system
Status: in_force

(1) Any district, when authorized by the electors, may install, maintain and operate a system, or systems, of street, road and highway lights. Lights shall be maintained upon streets, roads, intersections or other places as, in the judgment of the board of commissioners, will furnish the best lighting service to the residents within the district.

(2) The district through its board of commissioners may contract with any supplier of electricity, private or public, to furnish the electric energy for such systems.

(3) The district, when authorized by the electors, may at any time thereafter levy a tax, not to exceed three-twentieths of one percent (0.0015) of real market value in any one year for the installation of the system and any extension thereof, and not to exceed one-twentieth of one percent (0.0005) of real market value in any one year for maintenance and purchase of electric energy. The tax limits provided by this subsection shall be computed as a percentage 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) .

(4) A district may require any person to pay the cost of installing the highway lighting system adjacent to the property of the person. The district shall have the further right to include the cost of installing the system as a part of an agreement with any person for extending a water main.

(5) If authorized by the electors, the cost of maintenance and purchase of energy may be charged to the water consumers on the basis of one share for each water connection, payable monthly with the bills for water charges. The district may, when authorized by the electors, change from either system of collection to the other. The funds received from the respective levies and charges to water users shall be used only for the purposes collected and no other funds of the district shall be so used.

(6) Elector approval required by this section means the approval of a majority voting at a special election called by the board for the purpose of submitting the matter to the electors. [Amended by 1955 c.163 §2; 1963 c.9 §9; 1969 c.666 §26; 1991 c.459 §361]

Source: Section 264.350 — Street lighting system; contracts for electricity; tax levy and service charges to maintain and purchase electric energy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.210 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.210
264.210 General powers of district
Status: in_force

A district formed under this chapter shall have the power to make contracts, hold and receive and dispose of real and personal property within and without its described boundaries and do all other acts and things which may be requisite, necessary or convenient in carrying out the objects of the district or exercising the powers conferred upon it by this chapter, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in all actions and suits or other proceedings brought by or against it. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §51; 1971 c.727 §79]

Source: Section 264.210 — General powers of district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.114 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.114
267.114 Minimum area of district
Status: in_force

The territorial boundaries of a mass transit district whose formation was initiated under ORS 267.107 (Resolution to create certain districts) shall include, as a minimum area, all of the territory within the urban growth boundary, as the urban growth boundary may exist from time to time, of the city that proposed creation of the mass transit district. [1999 c.454 §2]

(Board; Ordinances)

Source: Section 267.114 — Minimum area of district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.385 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.385
266.385 Boundaries of zones for board members
Status: in_force

(1) The board shall adjust zones established within a district as necessary to make them as nearly equal in population as is feasible according to the latest federal census. The board also shall adjust boundaries of zones as necessary to reflect boundary changes of the district.

(2) 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) . [1975 c.249 §4; 1983 c.350 §121; 2001 c.138 §10]

Source: Section 266.385 — Boundaries of zones for board members; adjustment for population and boundary changes; filing of boundary change with county assessor and Department of Revenue , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.225 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.225
261.225 State agencies and private utilities to provide new district certain information
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Energy, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon and any privately owned utility serving the affected territory shall cooperate in providing information and data as requested by a people’s utility district for construction or acquisition of the initial utility system.

(2) As requested, the State Department of Energy and the Public Utility Commission of Oregon shall provide copies of records on file pertinent to the operation of a utility system.

(3) As requested, the privately owned utility serving the affected territory shall provide data and records regarding the affected territory including:

(a) Peak load and monthly variations of load required to serve the territory;

(b) Load requirements of various classifications of users;

(c) Gross revenue;

(d) Distribution costs, including operation, maintenance and debt retirement;

(e) Inventory of assets by type and value;

(f) List of customers with customer addresses;

(g) Amount of money loaned to each customer for conservation activity; and

(h) Replacement value of an investor owned utility’s unreimbursed investment in energy efficiency measures and installations within the territory. [1979 c.558 §15; 1991 c.358 §4]

Source: Section 261.225 — State agencies and private utilities to provide new district certain information , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.335 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.335
264.335 Authority to exercise powers of sanitary district
Status: in_force

In addition to the other powers granted to districts under this chapter, a district may exercise the powers granted to sanitary districts 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) when:

(1) The district obtains all or part of its supply of water from a watershed;

(2) The watershed is located in a sole-source aquifer designated prior to September 29, 1991, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.);

(3) The watershed is recognized under rules of the Environmental Quality Commission as a watershed requiring protection from contamination in order to maintain high water quality; and

(4) The district adopts a resolution declaring that the health of the residents of the district and the general public interest requires the district to protect the water quality of the watershed. [1991 c.665 §2; 2005 c.22 §191; 2009 c.11 §25]

Source: Section 264.335 — Authority to exercise powers of sanitary district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.610 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.610
268.610 Ordinance authorizing revenue bonds
Status: reserved

(1) Revenue bonds issued under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) shall be authorized at a meeting by ordinance of the governing body. The ordinance may provide for the creation of special trust funds and may authorize the appointment of a trustee to administer the funds, and may obligate a district to set aside and pay into a special trust fund for the purpose of securing revenue bonds, all or any portion of its revenues, regardless of the source from which derived, then existing or which thereafter come into existence. The governing body may, in addition thereto, pledge or mortgage for the payment of the principal of and interest on and premium, if any, of any issue of such bonds any property of a district. Notice that action upon the bond ordinance will be taken at the designated meeting of the governing body, shall be given for a period of not less than two consecutive weeks, prior to such meeting, by publication thereof once each week in a newspaper of general circulation, published within the corporate boundaries of the district or, if there be no such newspaper, by posting such notice for a period of not less than two weeks in three public places in the district.

(2) The money in a special trust fund created by an ordinance authorizing an issue of revenue bonds shall be used solely for the purposes provided therefor by the ordinance.

(3) The ordinance may obligate the district, and the district shall have power to fix, levy and collect such rates, rentals, fees and other charges for the use and services of all or any of its facilities, which revenues may be pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest on and premium, if any, of the revenue bonds or any of them and if so pledged shall be sufficient to produce revenues, along with other lawfully available funds, adequate to pay the costs of the operation, maintenance and repair of any or all district properties; to pay or provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on, and premium, if any, of such revenue bonds or any of them, including any reserves for such payment; and to produce such additional amount of revenues therefrom as the district may covenant with the holders of such revenue bonds.

(4) The ordinance may provide that in the event the money in a special trust fund is insufficient to pay the revenue bonds to be paid out of the fund, such revenue bonds shall be payable out of any part or all of other nonpledged revenues of the district. Whenever all bonds and expenses thereof have been paid so that no charge remains upon such special fund, the governing body may, by ordinance, transfer any balance remaining in such fund to its general fund, discharge the trustee, if any, and dissolve the special fund. Any trustee authorized to administer the fund may, subject to approval of the governing body, invest and reinvest moneys in the special fund in any security or securities in which the State of Oregon may by law invest.

(5) If the governing body fails to set aside and pay revenues into a special trust fund as required by the ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of the bonds secured by the fund, a holder of any of such bonds may bring suit against the district to compel compliance with the provisions of the ordinance in the circuit court of the county in which the district has its principal office.

(6) In the ordinance authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) and pledging all or any portion of the district’s revenues to the payment of such revenue bonds:

(a) The district may reserve the right to pledge from time to time on a parity basis all or any part of such pledged revenues as security for any one or more series of revenue bonds thereafter issued by the district, and in the event the right so reserved by the district is exercised all revenue bonds secured by such pledged revenues shall be equally and ratably secured thereby without preference or priority of any kind of any bond or series of bonds secured thereby over any other bond or series of bonds secured thereby; and

(b) The district may reserve the right to pledge from time to time on a subordinated basis all or any part of such pledged revenues as security for any one or more series of revenue bonds thereafter issued by the district.

(7) Any pledge of revenues by a district made pursuant to this section or ORS 268.590 (Credit enhancement of district bonds and other obligations) shall be valid, binding and fully perfected from and after the date of issuance of the revenue bonds secured thereby and the 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 such pledge shall be valid, binding and fully perfected 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. [1977 c.95 §10; 1987 c.623 §2]

Source: Section 268.610 — Ordinance authorizing revenue bonds; content; special trust funds; trustees; enforcement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.255 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.255
261.255 Use of district money or property
Status: in_force

Any district of this state participating in common facilities under ORS 261.235 (Definitions for ORS 261.235 to 261.255) to 261.255 (Use of district money or property) may furnish money and provide property, both real and personal, and to the extent and in the manner provided by ORS 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) issue and sell revenue bonds pledging revenues of its electric system and its interest or share of the revenues derived from the common facilities and any additions or betterments thereto, in order to pay its respective share of the cost of the planning, financing, acquisition and construction thereof. All moneys paid or property supplied by any such district for the purpose of carrying out the powers conferred by ORS 261.235 (Definitions for ORS 261.235 to 261.255) to 261.255 (Use of district money or property) are declared to be for a public purpose. [1967 c.603 §12; 1999 c.865 §41]

Source: Section 261.255 — Use of district money or property; revenue bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.255 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.255
267.255 Hearing on petition
Status: in_force

(1) When a county clerk to whom a petition is submitted under ORS 267.253 (Petition for withdrawal from district) certifies that the petition contains the number of valid signatures required under ORS 267.253 (Petition for withdrawal from district) , the district board shall schedule a public hearing on the petition. A district board may hold a single public hearing with respect to two or more petitions.

(2) The district board shall schedule the public hearing for a date which is not earlier than the 20th day after the date on which the study of the affected area required under ORS 267.257 (Study of area proposed to be withdrawn) is completed, but which is not later than the 90th day after the board receives certification from the county clerk under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The district board shall have notice of the hearing printed once in a newspaper in general circulation within the district. The notice shall be published at least five days prior to the hearing. Notice of the published hearing shall also be posted in at least four different locations within the affected area that are customarily used for the purpose of posting public notice. The notice shall be posted not less than 15 days prior to the date specified in the notice for the hearing and shall be posted for not less than five consecutive days. The notice required under this section shall contain the time and place of the hearing, the purpose of the hearing, a description of the affected area, the extent to which taxes imposed by the district will be increased in the remaining portions of the district as a result of the withdrawal of the affected area, the date on which the district board intends to finally dispose of the petition under ORS 267.257 (Study of area proposed to be withdrawn) (2), a statement that the study of the affected area required under ORS 267.257 (Study of area proposed to be withdrawn) is on file at the district offices and available for copying and public inspection and a statement that the public may appear and be heard on the issue of withdrawal of the affected area from the district. The date of final disposition of the petition that appears in the notice may be subsequently changed to a later date by the district board without publishing another notice as required by this section.

(4) The hearing required under this section may be conducted by a hearings officer appointed by the district board. [1987 c.799 §4]

Source: Section 267.255 — Hearing on petition; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.335 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.335
267.335 Authority to issue revenue bonds
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to the authority to issue general obligation bonds, after a vote of the people, a district may issue and sell revenue bonds and pledge as security therefor all or any part of the unobligated net revenue of the district. Revenue bonds shall be issued in the same manner and form as are general obligation bonds of the district but they shall not be subject to the percentage limitation provided by ORS 267.330 (General obligation bonds) applicable to issuance of general obligation bonds and shall not be a lien upon any property within the limits of the district. Such bonds shall be payable, both as to principal and interest, solely from the net revenues of the district remaining after payment of obligations having a priority and payment of all expenses of operation and maintenance of the district, including any taxes levied thereafter against the district. All revenue bonds shall contain a clause reciting that both the principal and interest are payable solely from net revenues of the district remaining after paying such obligations and expenses.

(2) In lieu of issuing bonds secured by unobligated net revenue under subsection (1) of this section, the treasurer, when authorized by the board, may execute and issue interest-bearing warrants drawn against funds created by and for operation and maintenance of the mass transit system in excess of current cash on hand, but not in an amount exceeding one-half of the estimated annual gross revenue for operation of the mass transit system for the next ensuing year. [1969 c.643 §29]

Source: Section 267.335 — Authority to issue revenue bonds; interest-bearing warrants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.305 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.305
261.305 General powers of district
Status: in_force

People’s utility districts shall have power:

(1) To have perpetual succession.

(2) To adopt a seal and alter it at pleasure.

(3) To sue and be sued, to plead and be impleaded.

(4) To acquire and hold, including by lease-purchase agreement, real and other property necessary or incident to the business of the districts, within or without, or partly within or partly without, the district, and to sell or dispose of that property; to acquire, develop and otherwise provide for a supply of water for domestic and municipal purposes, waterpower and electric energy, or electric energy generated from any utility, and to distribute, sell and otherwise dispose of water, waterpower and electric energy, within or without the territory of such districts.

(5) To acquire, own, trade, sell or otherwise transfer renewable energy certificates.

(6) To exercise the power of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring any property, within or without the district, necessary for the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter.

(7) To borrow money and incur indebtedness; to issue, sell and assume evidences of indebtedness; to refund and retire any indebtedness that may exist against or be assumed by the district or that may exist against the revenues of the district; to pledge any part of its revenues; and to obtain letters of credit or similar financial instruments from banks or other financial institutions. Except as provided in ORS 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) and 261.380 (Refunding district indebtedness) , no revenue or general obligation bonds shall be issued or sold without the approval of the electors. The board of directors may borrow from banks or other financial institutions such sums as the board of directors deems necessary or advisable. No indebtedness shall be incurred or assumed except for the development, purchase and operation of electric utility facilities or for the purchase of electricity, electrical capacity or renewable energy certificates.

(8) To exercise the powers otherwise granted to districts by ORS 271.390 (Lease or purchase of real estate by public body or council of governments) .

(9) To levy and collect, or cause to be levied and collected, subject to constitutional limitations, taxes for the purpose of carrying on the operations and paying the obligations of the district as provided in this chapter.

(10) To make contracts, to employ labor and professional staff, to set wages in conformance with ORS 261.345 (Employment of labor) , to set salaries and provide compensation for services rendered by employees and by directors, to provide for life insurance, hospitalization, disability, health and welfare and retirement plans for employees, and to do all things necessary and convenient for full exercise of the powers herein granted. The provision for life insurance, hospitalization, disability, health and welfare and retirement plans for employees shall be in addition to any other authority of people’s utility districts to participate in those plans and shall not repeal or modify any statutes except those that may be in conflict with the provision for life insurance, hospitalization, disability, health and welfare and retirement plans.

(11) To enter into contracts with any person, any public or private corporation, the United States Government, the State of Oregon, or with any other state, municipality or utility district, and with any department of any of these, for carrying out any provisions of this chapter.

(12) To enter into agreements with the State of Oregon or with any local governmental unit, utility, special district or private or public corporation for the purpose of promoting economic growth and the expansion or addition of business and industry within the territory of the people’s utility district. Before spending district funds under such an agreement, the board of directors shall enter on the written records of the district a brief statement that clearly indicates the purpose and amount of any proposed expenditure under the agreement.

(13) To fix, maintain and collect rates and charges for any water, waterpower, electricity or other commodity or service furnished, developed or sold by the district.

(14) To construct works across or along any street or public highway, or over any lands which are property of this state, or any subdivision thereof, and to have the same rights and privileges appertaining thereto as have been or may be granted to cities within the state, and to construct its works across and along any stream of water or watercourse. Any works across or along any state highway shall be constructed only with the permission of the Department of Transportation. Any works across or along any county highway shall be constructed only with the permission of the appropriate county court. Any works across or along any city street shall be constructed only with the permission of the city governing body and upon compliance with applicable city regulations and payment of any fees called for under applicable franchise agreements, intergovernmental agreements under ORS chapter 190 or contracts providing for payment of such fees. The district shall restore any such street or highway to its former state as near as may be, and shall not use the same in a manner unnecessarily to impair its usefulness.

(15) To elect a board of five directors to manage its affairs.

(16) To enter into franchise agreements with cities and pay fees under negotiated franchise agreements, intergovernmental agreements under ORS chapter 190 and contracts providing for the payment of such fees.

(17) To take any other actions necessary or convenient for the proper exercise of the powers granted to a district by this chapter and by section 12, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. [Amended by 1953 c.627 §2; 1957 c.334 §1; 1979 c.558 §19; 1985 c.474 §1; 1987 c.245 §4; 1993 c.97 §1; 1995 c.333 §15; 2003 c.802 §76; 2007 c.301 §38; 2007 c.895 §9]

Source: Section 261.305 — General powers of district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.575 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.575
267.575 Preparation of public transit system plan
Status: in_force

(1) A district shall, within a reasonable time after formation, prepare a broad, general plan for a public transit system for the district. The plan shall be prepared in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and cities and counties located within and adjacent to the district.

(2) The plan shall show existing and proposed transit systems of the district and of other public and private agencies relating to public transit. It shall demonstrate a basis for the coordination and planning of future construction, improvement and equipment acquisition of the district, governmental agencies and private interests to assure maximum efficiency and use of public transit in the district. The plans shall be based on the needs of the district and take into consideration the plans and programs, if any, developed by the Department of Transportation and cities and counties located within and adjacent to the district. The district may have access to all information, statistics, plans and data in the possession of or available to any state agency or public corporation which is pertinent to the preparation of the plan and may reimburse the agency or corporation for any expense incurred in cooperating with the board.

(3) The district board shall revise the plan as necessary for the proper control, utilization, development and improvement of the district transit system. [1975 c.737 §3]

Source: Section 267.575 — Preparation of public transit system plan; contents; revision , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 263.260 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 263 / Section 263.260
263.260 Authority to issue revenue and general obligation bonds
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of providing sports and convention facilities for the people of Oregon and to exercise the powers granted by ORS 263.240 (General powers of commission) (2), the commission may issue revenue and bond anticipation notes or their equivalent, revenue bonds and general obligation bonds within the limitation now or hereafter prescribed by the laws of this state. Such notes and bonds shall be authorized, executed, issued and made payable in accordance with the applicable laws of this state. The commission may issue and sell such notes and bonds only when authorized to do so by a majority of the electors voting at a county-wide election other than the election at which the commission is established.

(2) The commission may provide that such bonds mature not more than 40 years from date of their issue and may provide that such bonds also be made payable from any otherwise unpledged revenues which may be derived from the ownership or operation of any sports and convention facilities. The commission shall also have the power to advance refund bonds issued hereunder in accordance with the laws of Oregon.

(3) The commission may include in the principal amount of any bonds issued to finance a sports and convention facility an amount for engineering, architectural, planning, financial, legal and other services and charges incident to the acquisition or construction of sports and convention facilities, an amount to establish necessary reserves and an amount necessary for interest during the period of construction of any facilities to be financed from the proceeds of such issue plus six months. [1985 c.654 §6]

Source: Section 263.260 — Authority to issue revenue and general obligation bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors263.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.374 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.374
264.374 Appeal from assessment
Status: in_force

Any person feeling aggrieved by the assessments made under an assessment ordinance may, within 20 days after the passage of the ordinance levying the assessment by the district board, appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the district is located. The appeal and the requirements and formalities thereof shall be heard, governed and determined, and the judgment thereon rendered and enforced, in the manner provided for appeals from assessments in ORS 223.005 (Appropriation and condemnation for public use within and without city limits) to 223.105 (Proceedings to condemn property for city improvements when owner and city disagree on price) and 223.205 (Scope and application) to 223.930 (Streets along city boundaries or partly within and without city) . The result of the appeal shall be a final and conclusive determination of the matter of the assessment, except with respect to the district right of reassessment provided by ORS 264.390 (Reassessment) . [1969 c.686 §9]

Source: Section 264.374 — Appeal from assessment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.340 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.340
267.340 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 board without submitting to the electors the question of authorizing the issuance of the bonds. [1969 c.643 §30]

Source: Section 267.340 — Refunding bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.230 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.230
267.230 Exemption from public utility or railroad regulation
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 824.045 (Department establishment of state safety oversight program for rail fixed guideway public transportation system) and subsection (2) of this section, a transit system operated by a district, including the rates and charges made by a district and the equipment operated by a district, shall not be subject to state laws or ordinances of any political subdivision regulating public utilities or railroads, including those laws administered by the Department of Transportation.

(2) ORS 824.200 (Definitions for 824.200 to 824.256) to 824.256 (Expense contributed by public held in trust by railroad company) apply to the transit system operated by a district except for control and regulation of any crossing at which the light rail transit vehicles of a district’s transit system cross a highway at separated grades or any grade crossing at which the light rail transit vehicles operate within and parallel to the right of way of a highway and where all conflicting vehicle movements are controlled by standard highway traffic devices. However, upon written request from the district and the public authority with jurisdiction over the highway at such a grade crossing, the department shall adjudicate any dispute that arises between the district and the public authority with regard to the grade crossing. [1969 c.643 §11; 1973 c.116 §5; 1977 c.420 §1; 1985 c.678 §7; 1995 c.733 §92; 2001 c.522 §10]

Source: Section 267.230 — Exemption from public utility or railroad regulation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.135 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.135
267.135 General manager
Status: in_force

(1) The board shall appoint a general manager on the basis of the qualifications of the general manager with special reference to the actual experience in or knowledge of accepted practices in respect to the duties of the office of the general manager. A general manager shall hold office for an indefinite term and may be removed by the board only by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members.

(2) Before a general manager is removed, the general manager shall upon demand be given a written statement of the reasons for removal. If requested, the general manager shall be given an open hearing at a meeting of the board before the final vote for removal. However, the board may by resolution suspend the general manager from office pending a hearing. The action of the board in suspending or removing a general manager, if approved by a majority of the members of the board, may be reconsidered by the board but is otherwise final and not subject to appeal. [1969 c.643 §14]

Source: Section 267.135 — General manager; qualifications; term; removal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.247 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.247
267.247 Acquisition of district lands by adverse possession or operation of statute of limitations prohibited
Status: in_force

The rights of a mass transit district to lands owned by the district are not extinguished by adverse possession. A person may not acquire title or property rights to lands owned by the district through operation of a statute of limitations. [2009 c.307 §1]

Note: 267.247 (Acquisition of district lands by adverse possession or operation of statute of limitations prohibited) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 267 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.247 — Acquisition of district lands by adverse possession or operation of statute of limitations prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.010 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.010
264.010 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Board” or “board of commissioners” means the governing body of a district.

(2) “District” means a domestic water supply district formed under this chapter.

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

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

(5) “County clerk” means the county clerk of the county.

(6) “Owner” means the holder of the record title to real property or the vendee under a land sale contract, if there is such a contract. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §1; 1983 c.83 §38]

Source: Section 264.010 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.110 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.110
264.110 Formation of domestic water supply district
Status: in_force

A domestic water supply district may be formed for the purpose of supplying inhabitants of the district with water for domestic purposes as provided by this chapter; and, in connection therewith, may supply, furnish and sell for any use any surplus water over and above the domestic needs of its inhabitants to persons living outside the district, or to other water districts, school districts or other local governments as defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) . All railroad rights of way or improvements thereon or rolling stock moving thereover shall be excluded from districts organized after June 9, 1943, and for purposes of ORS 264.210 (General powers of district) to 264.320 (Refund of cost of water main extension) , 264.410 (Board) , 264.420 (Calling of special elections) , 264.430 (Proceedings of board) , 264.470 (Deposit and withdrawal of moneys) and this section shall not be considered as property within the boundaries of such districts, unless the owner of the railroad property expressly consents to its inclusion. [Amended by 1969 c.666 §2; 2003 c.802 §81]

Source: Section 264.110 — Formation of domestic water supply district; sale of surplus water; exemptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.171 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.171
261.171 County governing body to call election
Status: in_force

(1) Upon its own resolution, the county governing body may, and upon receipt of an electors’ petition or resolution of the governing body of a people’s utility district or city that the county governing body finds to be in compliance with this chapter shall, at the earliest practical date submit the question of district formation, annexation or consolidation and, if for formation, the question of a special levy, to the electors within the affected territory at a special election. The special election may be held on the same date as a primary election or general election.

(2) The notice of the election shall state the purpose of the election, describe in general terms the boundaries of the affected territory and in all other respects comply with the general laws of this state governing the time and manner of holding elections.

(3) The county governing body shall call no more than one election for formation of a district comprising substantially the same area within the same calendar year. [1979 c.558 §14; 1995 c.712 §96; 2003 c.14 §122; 2003 c.802 §71]

Source: Section 261.171 — County governing body to call election; notice; dates , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.518 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.518
266.518 Contracting with United States for facilities
Status: in_force

(1) In carrying out the powers conferred by this chapter, a district may contract with the United States or any agency thereof for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, maintenance and operation, or any of them, of park and recreation facilities.

(2) Contract provisions for repayment of any loan from the United States, and the bonds securing the payment of the same, if any are issued, may be of such denomination, for such term not exceeding 50 years and may call for the payment of such interest not exceeding seven percent per annum, may provide for such installments and for repayment of the principal at such times, as may be required by the federal laws and as may be agreed upon between the district board and the United States agency. [1969 c.668 §26c; 1973 c.86 §1]

Source: Section 266.518 — Contracting with United States for facilities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.340 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.340
264.340 Purchase and maintenance of fire equipment
Status: in_force

(1) Any district, when authorized by the electors as provided by this subsection, may purchase fire apparatus and equipment and maintain, service and operate the same, and may enter into intergovernmental agreements under ORS chapter 190 for fire protection for its inhabitants, or do either or any combination of the foregoing. Such power shall only be given the board of commissioners by a majority of the votes cast by electors of the district at a special election called for such purpose by the board.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) When the power is so granted, the board of commissioners may levy a tax not exceeding three-twentieths of one percent (0.0015) 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) for defraying the expense of providing, maintaining, operating and servicing such fire apparatus and equipment, and of intergovernmental agreements for the protection of its inhabitants from fire.

(b) Upon approval of the majority of the votes cast by electors of the district at a special election called for that purpose by the board of commissioners, the district may levy a special tax for defraying such expenses not to exceed four-tenths of one percent (0.0040) of the real market value of the taxable property in the district referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(3) This section shall not apply to any district which on July 16, 1949, was wholly or partially within any legally organized rural fire protection district. [Amended by 1955 c.163 §1; 1963 c.9 §8; 1963 c.318 §2; 1969 c.666 §23; 1983 c.542 §1; 1991 c.459 §360; 2003 c.802 §86]

Source: Section 264.340 — Purchase and maintenance of fire equipment; contracting for fire protection; elections to authorize; tax levy to defray expense; application of section , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.360 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.360
267.360 Business, trade, occupational and professional licenses and fees
Status: in_force

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 may by ordinance raise revenue by licensing and imposing a fee on any business, trade, occupation and profession carried on or practiced in the district. This section does not empower a district to require licenses of or impose fees on companies that are licensed by the state under ORS 731.358 (Requirements of domestic insurers generally) or 731.362 (Requirements of foreign or alien insurers generally) to transact insurance, as defined in ORS 731.146 (“Transact insurance.”) , or to require licenses of or impose fees upon the representatives of such companies who are not residents of the district. [1969 c.643 §32]

Source: Section 267.360 — Business, trade, occupational and professional licenses and fees; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.384 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.384
264.384 Excess assessment
Status: in_force

Upon the completion of the improvement project, if it is found that the assessment previously levied upon any property is more than sufficient to pay the costs of the improvements, the district board shall ascertain and declare the amount of the excess by ordinance. When declared, the excess amounts shall be entered on the lien docket as a credit upon the appropriate assessment. If any assessment has been paid, the person who paid it, or the legal representative of the person, shall be entitled to the repayment of the rebate credit, or the portion thereof which exceeds the amount unpaid on the original assessment. [1969 c.686 §14]

Source: Section 264.384 — Excess assessment; rebate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.110 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.110
261.110 Areas includable in district
Status: in_force

(1) People’s utility districts may consist of territory, contiguous or otherwise, within one or more counties, and may consist of one or more cities, or a portion of a city, with or without unincorporated territory.

(2) Petitions asking that an election be held to determine whether or not a district shall be created shall set forth and particularly describe the boundaries of the proposed people’s utility district, and shall state that in the event the people within any one or more cities or separate parcels of territory within the proposed district vote against its formation, then that portion of the district which voted in favor of organization of a people’s utility district may be organized into the district.

(3) The name of a city is a sufficient description of its boundaries.

(4) When any city or separate parcel of territory voting at a formation election casts a majority vote against formation of the district, the city or separate parcel of territory shall not be included in any district formed as a result of the election.

(5) A city that owns or operates a publicly owned utility for development or distribution of electric energy or the territory served by the city within or without the boundaries of the city at the time of a proposed formation of a people’s utility district may not be included in any election for the formation of the district unless the inclusion is agreed to at an election by the electors of the city.

(6) No entire township, except when needed for location of plant or impounding purposes, or both, shall be included in formation of any district, unless the township contains not less than 10 electors. No portion of any township in excess of six sections shall be included, unless the portion contains a proportionate number of electors.

(7) No territory that is part of another people’s utility district shall be included in the formation of any district, except under the conditions provided in ORS 198.720 (Boundaries) (2), nor shall the proposed district include any territory which at the time of the proposed district’s formation is being served by an electric cooperative. [Amended by 1979 c.558 §8; 1981 c.758 §1; 2003 c.802 §69]

Source: Section 261.110 — Areas includable in district; description of district in petition for election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.253 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.253
267.253 Petition for withdrawal from district
Status: in_force

(1) If the electors of an affected area wish to withdraw from a district, they may file a petition for withdrawal with the district board at the times and in the manner provided for in this section. However, if the formation of the district was initiated under ORS 267.107 (Resolution to create certain districts) , the petition for withdrawal may not include any area within the urban growth boundary described in ORS 267.114 (Minimum area of district) .

(2) A petition for withdrawal under this section may be filed only during the period from January 1 to August 30 in calendar year 2001 and in every fifth calendar year thereafter.

(3) A petition for withdrawal under this section shall be signed by not less than 15 percent of the electors registered in the affected area described in the petition.

(4) A petition filed under this section shall contain substantially the following:

(a) A statement that the petition is filed pursuant to ORS 267.250 (Definitions for ORS 267.250 to 267.263) to 267.263 (Withdrawal of territory not subject to boundary commission review) ;

(b) The names of the district and all affected counties; and

(c) A request that proceedings be commenced for the withdrawal of the affected area from the district.

(5) There shall be attached to the petition a map which clearly and precisely shows the exterior boundaries of the affected area by reference to prominent landmarks such as streets, highways, rivers or the boundaries of cities and counties. The map shall be used in lieu of a metes and bounds or legal description of the affected area.

(6) The district board, within five days after receiving a petition filed under this section which conforms to the requirements of this section, shall file the petition with the county clerk of each county in which any part of the affected area is located for signature verification. [1987 c.799 §3; 1999 c.444 §4; 1999 c.454 §4]

Source: Section 267.253 — Petition for withdrawal from district; filing period; number of signatures; contents of petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.394 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.394
264.394 Enforcement of assessment lien
Status: in_force

(1) In case the whole or any portion of the cost of an improvement is assessed against the property directly benefited and the owner of the property fails to pay the amount of the lien, or any portion thereof, or the interest thereon, when they become due, the board may proceed to foreclose the lien in any manner provided by law for the collection of liens by municipalities and may provide by ordinance a general procedure for the collection of liens in any manner not inconsistent with law.

(2) The provisions of ORS 223.405 (Definitions for ORS 223.405 to 223.485) to 223.485 (When reassessment authority inapplicable) relating to reassessment shall be available to districts where applicable. [1969 c.686 §19]

Source: Section 264.394 — Enforcement of assessment lien , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 265.010 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 265 / Section 265.010
265.010 Formation
Status: in_force

(1) A cemetery maintenance district may be formed in the manner provided by this chapter.

(2) 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) . [Amended by 1953 c.69 §2; 1957 c.117 §1; 1963 c.519 §34; 1971 c.727 §85; 2001 c.138 §9; 2003 c.802 §90]

Source: Section 265.010 — Formation; filing boundary change with county assessor and Department of Revenue , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors265.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.622 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.622
267.622 Filing boundary change with county assessor and Department of Revenue
Status: in_force

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) . [2001 c.138 §13]

Source: Section 267.622 — Filing boundary change with county assessor and Department of Revenue , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.030 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.030
268.030 Purpose of chapter
Status: in_force

(1) This chapter is enacted in order to provide a method of making available in metropolitan areas public services not adequately available through previously authorized governmental agencies.

(2) To this end not more than one district may be established under this chapter in any metropolitan area.

(3) Subject to the provisions of a district charter, a district, where formed, shall provide for those aspects of land use planning having metropolitan significance. [1969 c.700 §3; 1975 c.510 §1; 1977 c.95 §16; 1977 c.665 §3; 1977 c.782 §3; 1997 c.833 §5]

Source: Section 268.030 — Purpose of chapter; limitation on number of districts; purpose of districts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.075 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.075
262.075 Agency as state political subdivision
Status: in_force

(1) Each joint operating agency shall be a political subdivision of the State of Oregon, and shall be a municipal corporation with the right to sue and be sued in its own name. Except as otherwise provided, a joint operating agency shall have all the powers, rights, privileges and exemptions conferred on people’s utility districts.

(2) A joint operating agency shall have the power to acquire, hold, sell and dispose of real and other property, within or without this state, which the board of directors in its discretion finds reasonably necessary or incident to the generation, transmission and marketing of electricity, electrical capacity or renewable energy certificates. However, such an agency shall not acquire or operate any facilities for the distribution of electricity.

(3) A joint operating agency shall have the power of eminent domain which it may exercise for the purpose of acquiring property; however, a joint operating agency shall not condemn any properties owned by a publicly or privately owned utility which are being used for the generation or transmission of electricity or are being developed for such purposes with due diligence, except to acquire a right of way to cross such properties in a manner which will not interfere with the use thereof by the owner.

(4) A joint operating agency shall have the power to enter into contracts, leases and other undertakings considered necessary or proper by its board, including but not limited to contracts for any term relating to the purchase, sale, interchange, assignment, allocation, transfer or wheeling of power with the Government of the United States, or any agency thereof, and with any other municipal corporation or privately owned utility, or any combination thereof, within or without the state, and may purchase, deliver or receive power anywhere.

(5) A joint operating agency shall have the power to borrow money and incur indebtedness, to issue, sell and assume evidences of indebtedness, to refund and retire any indebtedness that may exist against the agency or its revenues, and to pledge any part of its revenues. A joint operating agency may borrow from banks or other financial institutions such sums on such terms as the board considers necessary or advisable. A joint operating agency may also issue, sell and assume bond anticipation notes, refunding bond anticipation notes, or their equivalent, which shall bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times, be in such denominations and in such form, be payable in such medium, at such place or places, and be subject to such terms of redemption, as the board considers necessary or advisable. The issuance and sale of revenue obligations by a joint operating agency shall be governed by ORS 262.085 (Authority to issue revenue obligations) .

(6) The joint operating agency may apply for, accept, receive and expend appropriations, grants, loans, gifts, bequests and devises in carrying out its functions as provided by law. [1973 c.722 §8; 2007 c.301 §44; 2007 c.895 §15]

Source: Section 262.075 — Agency as state political subdivision; eminent domain powers; financial transaction powers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.151 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.151
261.151 Hearing by Director of State Department of Energy on district formation
Status: in_force

Upon certification of a petition for formation or adoption of a resolution by the county governing body for district formation, the county clerk shall submit a copy of the resolution or petition, without signatures attached, to the Director of the State Department of Energy. Not less than 30 days after receipt of the petition or resolution copy, the director shall hold a hearing within the proposed district for the purpose of receiving public testimony on the proposed district formation. Notice of the hearing, stating the time and place of the hearing, 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. Within 60 days after receipt of the petition or resolution copy, the director, with the advice and assistance of the Public Utility Commission of Oregon, shall prepare and publish a concise report showing the availability and cost of power resources, potential tax consequences and any other information considered by the director to be relevant to the proposed formation of the district. A copy of the report shall be mailed, upon publication, by the director to the county governing body. [1979 c.558 §12a; 2003 c.186 §10]

Source: Section 261.151 — Hearing by Director of State Department of Energy on district formation; notice; report by director , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.095 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.095
267.095 Terms of directors first appointed
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 267.090 (Directors) , the terms of three of the directors of the first board of a district expire on the first Tuesday in the second January after the date of their appointment.

(2) The terms of four of the directors so appointed expire on the first Tuesday in the fourth January after the date of their appointment.

(3) The respective terms of the directors of the first board shall be determined by the Governor. [Formerly 267.115; 2018 c.4 §6]

Source: Section 267.095 — Terms of directors first appointed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.095 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.095
262.095 Rates for energy furnished by agency
Status: in_force

The board of directors shall establish rates and collect charges for electric power and energy and related services sold, furnished or supplied by the joint operating agency. Such rates and charges shall be fair, nondiscriminatory and at least adequate to provide revenues sufficient for:

(1) Payment of the principal of and interest on those obligations of the joint operating agency for which payment has not otherwise been provided;

(2) All payments which the agency is obligated to set aside in any special fund for the repayment of obligations and to provide reserves therefor;

(3) Payment of taxes as provided by ORS 262.105 (Taxation of agency property in same manner as private power corporations) ; and

(4) Payments for the proper administration, operation, maintenance, repair, renewals and replacements of utility properties of the joint operating agency and to provide reserves therefor. [1973 c.722 §10]

Source: Section 262.095 — Rates for energy furnished by agency , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.250 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.250
267.250 Definitions for ORS 267.250 to 267.263
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 267.250 (Definitions for ORS 267.250 to 267.263) to 267.263 (Withdrawal of territory not subject to boundary commission review) :

(1) “Affected area” means a contiguous area of not less than one square mile in which 200 or more district electors reside and which is within the boundaries of a district, but is outside the boundaries of any city with a population exceeding 10,000. However, the term does not include an area if the withdrawal of that area from the district results in the district having two or more noncontiguous parts.

(2) “Direct service,” with respect to an affected area described in a petition filed under ORS 267.253 (Petition for withdrawal from district) , means the location or placement of any of the facilities of the district or of any route used by the transit system of the district within one mile of any boundary of the affected area. [1987 c.799 §2; 1999 c.444 §§1,2]

Source: Section 267.250 — Definitions for ORS 267.250 to 267.263 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.253 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.253
261.253 Restriction on public contract imposing unconditional or unlimited financial obligation on electric utility
Status: in_force

(1) A public contract entered into by a noninvestor-owned electric utility may not contain a clause or condition that imposes an unconditional and unlimited financial obligation on the electric utility that is party to the contract unless the terms and conditions of the contract are subject to approval and are approved by the electors of the people’s utility district or city that owns the electric utility.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section is intended to affect provisions of law requiring approval of electors for any particular type of public contract that are in effect on October 15, 1983, or that are later enacted.

(3) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section is intended to conflict with ORS 279C.650 (“Labor dispute” defined) to 279C.670 (Application of ORS 279C.650 to 279C.670) .

(4) This section does not apply to a public contract executed in connection with:

(a) The acquisition of renewable energy certificates;

(b) The acquisition, construction, improvement or equipping of, or the financing of any interest in, a renewable energy facility; or

(c) The acquisition or financing of any interest in electrical capacity needed to shape, firm or integrate electricity from a renewable energy facility.

(5) As used in this section:

(a) “Public contract” includes a contract, note, general obligation bond or revenue bond by which the people’s utility district or city or any subdivision of any of them is obligated to pay for or finance the acquisition of goods, services, materials, real property or any interest therein, improvement, betterments or additions from any funds, including receipts from rates or charges assessed to or collected from its customers.

(b) “Unconditional and unlimited financial obligation” means a public contract containing a provision that the people’s utility district or city that is party to the contract is obligated to make payments required by the contract whether or not the project to be undertaken thereunder is undertaken, completed, operable or operating notwithstanding the suspension, interruption, interference, reduction or curtailment of the output or product of the project. [1983 c.811 §1; 2003 c.794 §221; 2003 c.802 §75; 2007 c.301 §37]

Note: 261.253 (Restriction on public contract imposing unconditional or unlimited financial obligation on electric utility) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 261 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 261.253 — Restriction on public contract imposing unconditional or unlimited financial obligation on electric utility , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.620 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.620
268.620 Form and content of bonds
Status: in_force

The revenue bonds authorized by ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) shall be issued as prescribed in ORS chapter 287A. [1977 c.95 §11; 1987 c.623 §3; 1997 c.171 §6; 2007 c.783 §88]

Source: Section 268.620 — Form and content of bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.335 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.335
266.335 Continuing schedule of biennial elections after change in number of board members
Status: in_force

(1) When a district under ORS 266.325 (Changing number of board members) expands the membership of its district board from three to five members or reduces the membership of its board from five to three members, the Secretary of State by rule shall provide for continuing the schedule of biennial elections of board members as follows:

(a) If the board is reduced to three members, at least one member shall be elected at each regular district election.

(b) If the board is expanded to five members, at least two members shall be elected at each regular district election.

(2) The Secretary of State may adjust and stagger the terms of board members as necessary in order to continue regular biennial elections under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The Secretary of State shall take into consideration and, as much as possible, provide for the continued method of representation adopted by the district under ORS 266.375 (Manner of electing board members) . [1983 c.350 §112]

Source: Section 266.335 — Continuing schedule of biennial elections after change in number of board members; powers of Secretary of State , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.010 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.010
261.010 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless otherwise required by the context:

(1) “Affected territory” means that territory proposed to be formed into, annexed to or consolidated with a district.

(2) “Board of directors,” “directors” or “board” means the governing body of a people’s utility district, elected and functioning under the provisions of this chapter.

(3) “County governing body” means either the county court or board of county commissioners and, if the affected territory is composed of portions of two or more counties, the governing body of that county having the greatest portion of the assessed value of all taxable property within the affected territory, as shown by the most recent assessment roll of the counties.

(4) “Electors’ petition” means a petition addressed to the county governing body and filed with the county clerk, containing the signatures of electors registered in the affected territory, equal to not less than three percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for Governor within the affected territory at the most recent election at which a candidate for Governor was elected to a full term, setting forth and particularly describing the boundaries of the parcel of territory, separate parcels of territory, city and district, or any of them, referred to therein, and requesting the county governing body to call an election to be held within the boundaries of the parcel of territory, separate parcels of territory, city and district, or any of them, for the formation of a district, the annexation of a parcel of territory or a city to a district, or the consolidation of two or more districts.

(5) “Electric cooperative” means a cooperative corporation owning and operating an electric distribution system.

(6) “Initial utility system” means a complete operating utility system, including energy efficiency measures and installations within the district or proposed district, capable of supplying the consumers required to be served by the district at the time of acquisition or construction with all of their existing water or electrical energy needs.

(7) “Parcel of territory” means a portion of unincorporated territory, or an area in a city comprised of less than the entire city.

(8) “People’s utility district” or “district” means an incorporated people’s utility district, created under the provisions of this chapter.

(9) “Replacement value of unreimbursed investment” means original cost new less depreciation of capitalized energy efficiency measures and installations in the premises of customers of an investor owned utility.

(10) “Separate parcel of territory” means unincorporated territory that is not contiguous to other territory that is a part of a district or that is described in a petition filed with the county clerk in pursuance of the provisions of this chapter, but when a proposed district includes territory in more than one county, the contiguous territory in each such county shall be considered as a separate parcel of territory. When a proposed district includes any area in a city comprised of less than the entire city, that area shall be considered as a separate parcel of territory.

(11) “Utility” means a plant, works or other property used for development, generation, storage, distribution or transmission of electricity, or development or transmission of water for domestic or municipal purposes, but transmission of water shall not include water for irrigation or reclamation purposes, except as secondary to and when used in conjunction with a hydroelectric plant. [Amended by 1961 c.224 §10; 1979 c.558 §4; 1981 c.804 §76; 1983 c.83 §32; 1989 c.174 §3; 1991 c.358 §1; 2003 c.802 §65; 2005 c.22 §189; 2007 c.301 §30; 2007 c.895 §1]

Source: Section 261.010 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.170 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.170
267.170 Initiative and referendum
Status: in_force

(1) The electors of a district may exercise the powers of the initiative and referendum with reference to legislation of the district, in accordance with ORS 255.135 (Prospective petition) to 255.205 (Retention of petition materials) .

(2) A district board on its own resolution may call an election for the purpose of referring an ordinance to the electors of a district for their approval before the ordinance takes effect. [1969 c.643 §39; 1977 c.728 §3; 1979 c.190 §411; 1981 c.173 §39; 1983 c.350 §124]

Source: Section 267.170 — Initiative and referendum , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.366 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.366
264.366 Declaration of intention
Status: in_force

After the district board approves the report as submitted or modified, the board shall, by resolution, declare its intention to make the improvement, provide the manner and method of carrying out the improvement and direct the secretary to give notice of the improvement. Such notice shall be given by two publications one week apart in a newspaper of general circulation within the district, and by mailing copies of the notice by registered or certified mail to the owners to be assessed for the costs of the improvement. The notice shall contain the following:

(1) That the report of the improvement is on file in the office of the secretary and is subject to public examination.

(2) That the district board will hold a public hearing on the proposed improvement on a specified date, which shall not be earlier than 10 days following the first publication of notice, at which objections and remonstrances to the improvement will be heard by the board; and that if prior to such hearing there shall be presented to the secretary valid, written remonstrances of the owners of two-thirds of the property or two-thirds of the front footage of the property to be specifically affected for the improvement, then the improvement will be abandoned for at least six months, unless the improvement is unanimously declared by the district board to be needed at once because of an emergency.

(3) A description of the property to be specially benefited by the improvement, the owners of the property and the estimate of the unit cost of the improvement to be paid for by special assessments to benefited properties. [1969 c.686 §4]

Source: Section 264.366 — Declaration of intention; notice of improvement and hearing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 268.630 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 268 / Section 268.630
268.630 Borrowing in anticipation of bond sale
Status: in_force

(1) A district shall have the power, at any time and from time to time after the issuance of bonds under ORS 268.600 (Issuance of revenue bonds) to 268.660 (Effect of ORS 268.600 to 268.660) have been authorized, to borrow money for the purposes for which such bonds are to be issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the sale of such bonds and within the authorized maximum amount of such bond issue.

(2) Bond anticipation notes shall be issued for all moneys so borrowed under the provisions of this section. Such notes may be issued for a period not to exceed three years and may be renewed or refunded from time to time for periods of not exceeding three years, but each such note, including renewals, shall mature and be paid not later than the fifth anniversary of the date the original note was issued. Such notes shall be authorized by ordinance of the governing body and shall be in such denomination or denominations, shall bear interest at such rate or rates approved by the governing body, shall be in such form and shall be executed in such manner, all as the governing body shall prescribe. Such notes may be sold at public or private sale in the manner and at such price or prices as the governing body shall determine, provided that if such notes be renewal notes, they may be exchanged for notes then outstanding on such terms as the governing body shall determine. [1977 c.95 §12; 1987 c.623 §4]

Source: Section 268.630 — Borrowing in anticipation of bond sale; bond anticipation notes; content; sale of notes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors268.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.900 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.900
261.900 Construction
Status: in_force

(1) The rule of strict construction shall have no application to ORS 261.007 (Policy) , 261.010 (Definitions) , 261.030 (Limit of authority to control existing utilities of electric cooperatives or cities) , 261.065 (Application of initiative, referendum and recall laws) to 261.118 (Withdrawal from petition) , 261.131 (Period for county clerk to certify petition) to 261.171 (County governing body to call election) , 261.190 (Election of first board of directors) , 261.200 (Proclamation of district formation or boundary change) , 261.220 (Mandamus to compel performance of its duties by county governing body) , 261.225 (State agencies and private utilities to provide new district certain information) , 261.305 (General powers of district) to 261.325 (Acquisition of water rights) , 261.345 (Employment of labor) , 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) , 261.371 (Authority to issue and sell revenue bonds) , 261.375 (Election to authorize district bond issue) , 261.605 (Testing validity of certain commission and board proceedings) , 261.635 (Procedure exclusive) and this section; but the same shall be liberally construed, in order to carry out the purposes and objects for which ORS 261.007 (Policy) , 261.010 (Definitions) , 261.030 (Limit of authority to control existing utilities of electric cooperatives or cities) , 261.065 (Application of initiative, referendum and recall laws) to 261.118 (Withdrawal from petition) , 261.131 (Period for county clerk to certify petition) to 261.171 (County governing body to call election) , 261.190 (Election of first board of directors) , 261.200 (Proclamation of district formation or boundary change) , 261.220 (Mandamus to compel performance of its duties by county governing body) , 261.225 (State agencies and private utilities to provide new district certain information) , 261.305 (General powers of district) to 261.325 (Acquisition of water rights) , 261.345 (Employment of labor) , 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) , 261.371 (Authority to issue and sell revenue bonds) , 261.375 (Election to authorize district bond issue) , 261.605 (Testing validity of certain commission and board proceedings) , 261.635 (Procedure exclusive) and this section are intended.

(2) When ORS 261.007 (Policy) , 261.010 (Definitions) , 261.030 (Limit of authority to control existing utilities of electric cooperatives or cities) , 261.065 (Application of initiative, referendum and recall laws) to 261.118 (Withdrawal from petition) , 261.131 (Period for county clerk to certify petition) to 261.171 (County governing body to call election) , 261.190 (Election of first board of directors) , 261.200 (Proclamation of district formation or boundary change) , 261.220 (Mandamus to compel performance of its duties by county governing body) , 261.225 (State agencies and private utilities to provide new district certain information) , 261.305 (General powers of district) to 261.325 (Acquisition of water rights) , 261.345 (Employment of labor) , 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) , 261.371 (Authority to issue and sell revenue bonds) , 261.375 (Election to authorize district bond issue) , 261.605 (Testing validity of certain commission and board proceedings) , 261.635 (Procedure exclusive) and this section come in conflict with any provision, limitation or restriction in any other law, ORS 261.007 (Policy) , 261.010 (Definitions) , 261.030 (Limit of authority to control existing utilities of electric cooperatives or cities) , 261.065 (Application of initiative, referendum and recall laws) to 261.118 (Withdrawal from petition) , 261.131 (Period for county clerk to certify petition) to 261.171 (County governing body to call election) , 261.190 (Election of first board of directors) , 261.200 (Proclamation of district formation or boundary change) , 261.220 (Mandamus to compel performance of its duties by county governing body) , 261.225 (State agencies and private utilities to provide new district certain information) , 261.305 (General powers of district) to 261.325 (Acquisition of water rights) , 261.345 (Employment of labor) , 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) , 261.371 (Authority to issue and sell revenue bonds) , 261.375 (Election to authorize district bond issue) , 261.605 (Testing validity of certain commission and board proceedings) , 261.635 (Procedure exclusive) and this section shall govern and control. [1979 c.558 §29]

Note: 261.900 (Construction) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 261 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 261.900 — Construction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.650 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.650
267.650 Finance elections
Status: in_force

Elections for the purpose of voting on the question of borrowing funds by issuance and sale of general obligation bonds or revenue bonds shall be called by the governing body. [1974 c.9 §15]

Source: Section 267.650 — Finance elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.107 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.107
267.107 Resolution to create certain districts
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 267.085 (Resolution to form district) :

(1) The governing body of the most populous city in a metropolitan statistical area may by resolution propose creation of a mass transit district if the governing body finds that area-wide mass transit needs cannot be met by local transit operation.

(2) The resolution of the governing body shall:

(a) Be considered at a public hearing only after notice as required for regular consideration of other resolutions by city charter or ordinance;

(b) Include findings of the need for creation of a mass transit district in the affected area;

(c) Describe the boundaries of the proposed district, which may be limited to a proposed service area but which may not extend beyond the limits of the city’s urban growth boundary; and

(d) If approved, be addressed to and filed with the governing body of the county in which the proposed district is principally situated.

(3) Upon receipt of the resolution under subsection (2) of this section, the county governing body shall commence district formation proceedings as provided in ORS 198.705 (Definitions for ORS 198.705 to 198.955) to 198.955 (Disposition of assets) .

(4) The county governing body shall order an election within the proposed district for approval or disapproval by the electors voting on the question of formation of a district under this section, notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 198.810 (Order for formation) (3).

(5) A certified copy of an order forming a mass transit district shall be filed with the Governor. [1977 c.347 §2; 1979 c.585 §1; 1999 c.454 §3; 2009 c.11 §30; 2018 c.4 §1]

Source: Section 267.107 — Resolution to create certain districts; contents; election; filing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.154 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.154
267.154 Collection of data relating to administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations
Status: in_force

(1) A mass transit district that establishes an administrative process to adjudicate ordinance violations under ORS 267.153 (Administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations) shall track data relating to each violation subject to the administrative process, including:

(a) The type of violation and the approximate location of the violation;

(b) The resolution of the administrative process, including the amount of fine assessed, if any, the amount and type of community service required, if any, and whether the citation was successfully resolved through the administrative process pursuant to ORS 267.153 (Administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations) ;

(c) The race and sex of the person cited, based on the observations of the person issuing the citation; and

(d) The age of the person cited, if provided to the person issuing the citation.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The mass transit district shall prepare annual reports on the data described in subsection (1) of this section. The reports shall disclose the data only in an aggregate manner, such that the disclosed information cannot be used to identify, contact or locate any single individual.

(b) The mass transit district shall annually transmit the report to the committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary. The first report must be made no later than one year after the administrative process to adjudicate ordinance violations is implemented. [2017 c.427 §3]

Note: See note under 267.153 (Administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations) .

Source: Section 267.154 — Collection of data relating to administrative process for adjudicating ordinance violations; reports , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.045 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.045
262.045 Procedure for modification of or withdrawal from agency membership
Status: in_force

(1) After the formation of a joint operating agency, the legislative body of any city or district not a member of the joint operating agency may adopt an ordinance and apply to the joint operating agency for membership. Such an ordinance shall not be effective unless approved by electors of the city or people’s utility district as provided by ORS 262.025 (Procedure for joint operating agency formation) .

(2) Upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the joint operating agency, as evidenced by resolutions adopted by their respective legislative bodies and filed with the joint operating agency, an application for membership shall be accepted. As a condition of approving such an application, the members of a joint operating agency may require the applicant to make contributions or commitments to place the applicant in substantial parity with the existing members.

(3) A member may not withdraw from a joint operating agency, nor may a joint operating agency be dissolved, while the agency has outstanding revenue obligations for which repayment provision has not been made. When a joint operating agency has no such outstanding revenue obligations:

(a) Any member may withdraw from the joint operating agency, but will thereby forfeit any and all rights and interests which it may have in the agency and the assets thereof unless the remaining members, by resolution of their respective legislative bodies and filed with the joint operating agency, unanimously consent otherwise; however, a member may not withdraw if, following its withdrawal, the joint operating agency would have less than three members. Any withdrawing member shall remain fully liable and responsible for all contractual obligations incurred by it to the joint operating agency during the period of its membership according to the terms of such obligations.

(b) The joint operating agency may be dissolved by the unanimous agreement of the members, as evidenced by resolutions adopted by their respective legislative bodies and filed with the joint operating agency. After provision has been made for the payment of all of the dissolved agency’s debts and obligations, the members shall hold its remaining assets as tenants in common. [1973 c.722 §5]

Source: Section 262.045 — Procedure for modification of or withdrawal from agency membership , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 266.530 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 266 / Section 266.530
266.530 Registration and delivery of bonds
Status: in_force

(1) The county treasurer shall register each bond issued pursuant to ORS 266.480 (Power to contract bonded indebtedness for certain purposes) in a book kept for that purpose in the office of the county treasurer, noting the district, amount, date, time and place of payment, rate of interest and such other facts as may be deemed proper.

(2) The county treasurer shall cause the bonds to be delivered promptly to the purchasers upon payment therefor, and shall hold the proceeds of the sale of the bonds subject to the order of the district board to be used solely for the purpose for which the bonds were issued.

(3) When the bonds have been so executed, registered and delivered, their legality shall not be open to contest by the district or by any person or corporation for or on its behalf, for any reason whatever. [Amended by 1969 c.668 §27]

Source: Section 266.530 — Registration and delivery of bonds; disposition of proceeds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors266.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.375 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.375
261.375 Election to authorize district bond issue
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) (3) and subject to ORS 261.355 (Procedure for issuance and sale of revenue bonds) (10), before any district issues general obligation or revenue bonds, other than general obligation refunding, revenue refunding or advance refunding bonds, the question of whether the bonds shall be issued shall be submitted to the electors of the district, either at any general, state or county election or at a special election called for that purpose by the board of the district to be held on a date specified in ORS 255.345 (Special election dates) .

(2) At the election the notice and ballots shall contain a statement of the amount of bonds to be voted on and the purpose for which the bonds are to be used. If a majority of those voting on the question vote “yes,” the board of directors is authorized to issue bonds of the character and in the amount designated by the election ballot. [Amended by 1973 c.796 §14; 1975 c.598 §5; 1979 c.558 §26; 1991 c.572 §5]

Source: Section 261.375 — Election to authorize district bond issue , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 262.005 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 262 / Section 262.005
262.005 Definitions for ORS 262.015 to 262.105
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 262.015 (Authority for joint operating agency formation) to 262.105 (Taxation of agency property in same manner as private power corporations) , unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Electric cooperative” means a cooperative corporation owning and operating an electric distribution system.

(2) “Joint operating agency” means an agency organized by three or more cities or people’s utility districts under the laws of this state for the purposes and according to ORS 262.005 (Definitions for ORS 262.015 to 262.105) to 262.105 (Taxation of agency property in same manner as private power corporations) .

(3) “Privately owned electric utility company” means an electric utility operated for profit and subject to regulation by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon or the equivalent officer or commission of any other state.

(4) “Utility properties” means a plant, works or other property used for development, generation, storage, distribution or transmission of electricity. “Utility properties” does not include facilities for uranium refining, processing or reprocessing. [1973 c.722 §1; 2005 c.22 §190; 2007 c.301 §42; 2007 c.895 §13]

Source: Section 262.005 — Definitions for ORS 262.015 to 262.105 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors262.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.580 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.580
267.580 Employees
Status: in_force

The governing body of a district may employ whatever administrative, clerical, technical and other assistance is necessary for the proper functioning of the district, on whatever terms the governing body considers in the best interests of the district. [1974 c.9 §7]

Source: Section 267.580 — Employees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.250 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.250
261.250 District liability
Status: in_force

(1) In carrying out the powers granted in ORS 261.241 (Membership in electric cooperative or limited liability corporation) and 261.245 (Authority of district to acquire interest in power facilities) , a district of this state is liable only for its own acts with regard to the planning, financing, construction, acquisition, operation, ownership or maintenance of common facilities. No moneys or other contributions supplied by a district of this state for the planning, financing, construction, acquisition, operation or maintenance of common facilities shall be credited or applied otherwise to the account of any other participant in the common facilities.

(2) A district shall not exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire a then existing thermal power plant or any part thereof. [1967 c.603 §11; 2007 c.301 §36; 2007 c.895 §7]

Source: Section 261.250 — District liability; application of moneys; use of power of eminent domain , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 263.300 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 263 / Section 263.300
263.300 Liberal construction of statutes
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes. [1985 c.654 §10]

Source: Section 263.300 — Liberal construction of statutes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors263.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.025 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.025
261.025 Statutory provisions cumulative
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter are additional and cumulative to the provisions of any other law now or hereafter existing for the holding of elections in districts.

Source: Section 261.025 — Statutory provisions cumulative , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.030 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.030
261.030 Limit of authority to control existing utilities of electric cooperatives or cities
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this chapter authorizes or empowers the board of directors of any people’s utility district to interfere with or exercise any control over any existing utility owned and operated by any electric cooperative or city in the district unless by consent of the governing body of the electric cooperative or of the city council or the governing body of the plant owned by a city, when the control of the plant is vested in a governing body other than the city council or governing body of the city. However a district may participate fully, on a mutually agreed basis, with electric cooperatives and utilities owned by cities in common facilities under ORS 261.235 (Definitions for ORS 261.235 to 261.255) to 261.255 (Use of district money or property) and in the formation and operation of joint operating agencies under ORS chapter 262. [Amended by 1979 c.558 §5; 2003 c.802 §66; 2007 c.301 §31; 2007 c.895 §2]

Source: Section 261.030 — Limit of authority to control existing utilities of electric cooperatives or cities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.387 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.387
267.387 Restrictions on increase in payroll tax
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) (1) and subject to ORS 267.260 (Withdrawal ordinance) (3) and (6), an increase in any tax imposed on wages or on net earnings from self-employment that is authorized by a mass transit district under ORS 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) (1) on or after January 1, 2010, must be phased in over a 10-year period. The district shall by ordinance set forth the increments by which the increase in tax is phased in. Subject to ORS 267.260 (Withdrawal ordinance) (3) and (6), each annual increment may not increase the rate of tax by more than 0.02 percent of the wages or net earnings from self-employment. [2009 c.253 §2]

Note: 267.387 (Restrictions on increase in payroll tax) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 267 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.387 — Restrictions on increase in payroll tax , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.145 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.145
267.145 General manager’s attendance at board meetings
Status: in_force

(1) The general manager shall attend the meetings of the board and may participate in its deliberations, but has no vote.

(2) The board may appoint a general manager pro tempore during the absence or disability of the general manager. [1969 c.643 §16]

Source: Section 267.145 — General manager’s attendance at board meetings; pro tempore manager , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.560 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.560
267.560 General powers
Status: in_force

A transportation district may provide public transportation and terminal facilities for public transportation including local aspects thereof transferred to the district by one or more other public bodies as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) , through agreements in accordance with ORS 267.510 (Definitions for ORS 267.510 to 267.650) to 267.650 (Finance elections) . [1974 c.9 §9; 2003 c.802 §96]

Source: Section 267.560 — General powers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.105 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.105
261.105 Powers of district
Status: in_force

(1) People’s utility districts may be created as provided in this chapter. A people’s utility district may exercise all powers conferred by this chapter.

(2) When a majority of all votes cast, at an election within the boundaries of any proposed district to determine whether or not the district is to be formed, favors formation, the district shall be created.

(3) In any election to annex a city or separate parcel of territory to an existing district, or to consolidate two or more existing districts, an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast from each city or separate parcel of territory or district voting to annex or consolidate, shall be required to authorize the annexation or consolidation.

(4) Annexation to an existing district shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 198.720 (Boundaries) (2). [Amended by 1979 c.558 §7; 2003 c.802 §68]

Source: Section 261.105 — Powers of district; formation; annexation; consolidation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.380 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.380
267.380 Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385
Status: in_force

(1) As used in ORS 267.380 (Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385) and 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) , unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) “Employer” means:

(A) A person who is in such relation to another person that the person may control the work of that other person and direct the manner in which it is to be done;

(B) An officer or employee of a corporation, or a member or employee of a partnership, who as such officer, employee or member is under a duty to perform the acts required of employers by ORS 316.162 (Definitions for ORS 316.162 to 316.221) to 316.221 (Disposition of withheld amounts) ; or

(C) The State of Oregon or any political subdivision in this state, except for a school district as defined in ORS 255.005 (Definitions) (9), with respect to work performed within the district by an employee of the State of Oregon or of the political subdivision.

(b) “Employer” does not include an organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and in effect on December 31, 1996, except that “employer” does include hospitals.

(c) “Wages” means remuneration for services performed by an employee for the employer, including the cash value of all remuneration paid in any medium other than cash.

(d) “Net earnings from self-employment” has the same meaning as in section 1402 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as that section was in effect and operative on December 31, 1988. For the purposes of computing net earnings from self-employment, a district may by ordinance from time to time adopt definitions of the terms used in section 1402.

(e) “Individual” means any natural person.

(2) As used in this section and ORS 267.385 (Employer payroll tax) , “wages” does not include remuneration paid:

(a) For services performed in the employ of the United States of America and institutions (excluding hospitals) exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and in effect on December 31, 1996.

(b) For domestic service in a private home if the total amount paid to such employee is less than $1,000 a year.

(c) For casual labor not in the course of the employer’s trade or business.

(d) For services performed wholly outside of the district.

(e) To an employee whose services to the employer consist solely of seasonal labor in connection with the planting, cultivating or harvesting of agricultural crops.

(f) To seamen who are exempt from garnishment, attachment or execution under title 46, United States Code.

(g) To individuals temporarily employed as emergency firefighters.

(h) If the remuneration is not subject to withholding under ORS chapter 316.

(i) To employees’ trusts exempt from taxation under section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and in effect on December 31, 1996.

(j) If the remuneration is not wages under section 3121(a)(5)(I) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and in effect on December 31, 1996.

(3) “Net earnings from self-employment” does not include income:

(a) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) From activities wholly outside of the district.

(B) That is wages.

(C) That would be wages under section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and in effect on December 31, 1990, but for the provisions of section 3121(b)(8)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) That is not net earnings from self-employment under section 1402(a)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code by reason of the amendments to section 1402 by section 1456 of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-188).

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, “wages” includes:

(a) Any amount included in the definition of “wages” under section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in ORS 316.012 (Terms have same meaning as in federal laws) , by reason of the provisions of section 3121(a)(5)(C), 3121(a)(5)(D), 3121(v)(1)(A), 3121(v)(1)(B), 3121(v)(3)(A), 3121(a)(5)(E) or 3121(a)(5)(H) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

(b) Any amount deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

(5) Any amount taken into account as wages by reason of subsection (4) of this section and the income attributable thereto shall not afterwards be treated as wages under this section. [1969 c.643 §34; 1971 c.600 §2; 1973 c.573 §2; 1979 c.766 §1; 1981 c.907 §2; 1987 c.293 §69; 1989 c.869 §2; 1991 c.457 §23a; 1993 c.18 §47; 1997 c.839 §39]

Source: Section 267.380 — Definitions for ORS 267.380 and 267.385 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.342 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.342
264.342 Adoption of fire prevention code
Status: in_force

A district which has provided fire protection under ORS 264.340 (Purchase and maintenance of fire equipment) may, in accordance with ORS 198.510 (Definitions for ORS 198.510 to 198.600) to 198.600 (Penalty for violation of regulations) , adopt a fire prevention code. [1953 c.206 §1; 1969 c.666 §24; 1971 c.268 §23; 1971 c.647 §39]

Source: Section 264.342 — Adoption of fire prevention code , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.460 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.460
261.460 Legislative function of board
Status: in_force

(1) The board of directors shall constitute the legislative body of the district, and shall determine all questions of policy.

(2) All legislative acts of the board shall be expressed in written resolutions or ordinances. Every ordinance enacted by the board shall be preceded by an enacting clause substantially as follows: “Be It Enacted by the ______ People’s Utility District” and shall be voted upon by an “aye” and “nay” vote. All ordinances except emergency ordinances shall require affirmative votes of a majority of the board at a regular meeting or an adjourned regular meeting.

(3) All ordinances except emergency ordinances shall be subject to the referendum and shall become effective 30 days after the date of their passage, unless a later date is fixed in the ordinance itself, in which event they shall take effect at the later date.

(4) Emergency ordinances shall contain the statement that an emergency exists and specify with distinctness the facts and reasons constituting the emergency. The unanimous vote of all members of the board present is necessary to pass any emergency ordinance and no such ordinance shall be passed with less than four directors present.

Source: Section 261.460 — Legislative function of board , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 264.336 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 264 / Section 264.336
264.336 Exercise of sanitary district powers in territory covered by 2020 major disaster declaration related to wildfires
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 264.335 (Authority to exercise powers of sanitary district) , a district may exercise the powers granted to sanitary districts 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) if:

(1) The district meets the requirements of ORS 264.335 (Authority to exercise powers of sanitary district) (1), (3) and (4);

(2) Any part of the territory of the district is covered by the major disaster declaration related to wildfires requested by the Governor on September 14, 2020, and approved by the President of the United States on September 15, 2020; and

(3) The district is adjacent to a river that serves as a source of drinking water for a metropolitan area with a population greater than 100,000. [2021 c.284 §2]

Source: Section 264.336 — Exercise of sanitary district powers in territory covered by 2020 major disaster declaration related to wildfires , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors264.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.345 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.345
261.345 Employment of labor
Status: in_force

(1) All labor employed by a district, directly or indirectly, shall be employed under and in pursuance of the provisions of ORS 279B.235 (Condition concerning hours of labor) , 279C.540 (Maximum hours of labor on public contracts) , 279C.545 (Time limitation on claim for overtime) , 653.268 (Overtime for labor directly employed by public employers) and 653.269 (Exceptions to ORS 653.268) .

(2) The minimum scale of wages to be paid by a people’s utility district or by any contractor or subcontractor for such district shall be not less than the prevailing wage for the character of work in the same trade in the largest city having a population of 5,000 or more in the district, or if there is none, the nearest to the district.

(3) The board of directors of any utility district may negotiate, sign and maintain collective bargaining agreements concerning employment, rates of pay and working conditions with the representatives of its employees. Notice in writing of any intended change in rates of pay, or working conditions, or both, shall be given in accordance with the provisions of the agreements. The provisions of ORS 243.650 (Definitions for ORS 243.650 to 243.809) to 243.809 (Determinations regarding alleged misconduct of law enforcement officer in accordance with uniform standards) shall govern the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement and any changes to an existing agreement. The mutual rights and obligations of the board and the employees or their representatives shall be those provided under ORS 243.650 (Definitions for ORS 243.650 to 243.809) to 243.809 (Determinations regarding alleged misconduct of law enforcement officer in accordance with uniform standards) .

(4) Whenever any district acquires any utility which at the time of acquisition is in private ownership:

(a) The district shall, within financial and organizational limitations, offer employment to all employees of the private utility whose work primarily served the affected territory.

(b) Where the employees of the private utility are, at the time of acquisition, covered by any collective bargaining contract, plan for individual annuity contracts, retirement income policies, group annuity contract or group insurance for the benefit of employees, the district shall maintain any benefits or privileges that employees of the acquired utility would receive or be entitled to had the acquisition not occurred by:

(A) Assuming for one year all of the rights, obligations and liabilities of the acquired private utility in regard to that collective bargaining contract or plan for the employees covered thereby at the time of acquisition; or

(B) Substituting a similar plan or contract under an agreement with a majority of the affected employees.

(c) The district may pay all or part of the premiums or other payments required under paragraph (b) of this subsection out of the revenue derived from the operation of its properties.

(d) The district shall recognize the collective bargaining agent of the employees if the district retains a majority of the employees of the private utility working in the affected territory. [Amended by 1979 c.558 §23; 1985 c.474 §2; 2003 c.794 §223]

Source: Section 261.345 — Employment of labor; pay and conditions; agreements; rights of previous employees of private utility , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 267.245 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 267 / Section 267.245
267.245 District exempt from right of way fencing requirements
Status: in_force

The provisions of ORS 608.310 (Erecting and maintaining fences, crossings, gates and cattle guards) shall not apply in respect to property operated by a mass transit district as part of a mass transit system. [1977 c.420 §2]

Note: 267.245 (District exempt from right of way fencing requirements) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 267 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 267.245 — District exempt from right of way fencing requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors267.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.121 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.121
261.121 Basis of computing percentage of petition signatures
Status: in_force

When the boundaries described in any petition include a part of a precinct, the vote of the entire precinct shall be used as a basis in computing the percentage of signatures required on electors’ petitions. [Formerly 261.015]

Source: Section 261.121 — Basis of computing percentage of petition signatures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 261.330 — OR Code / Title 24 / Chapter 261 / Section 261.330
261.330 District water right appropriation exclusive if not excessive
Status: reserved

Any filing made by any people’s utility district upon the unappropriated waters of this state for use in the future development of a hydroelectric plant by the district shall be reserved to the district and shall not be subject to appropriation by any other person, city or corporation, unless it is judicially determined that such filing exceeds the reasonable present and future requirements of the district, in which event the surplus or excess may be by judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction released and discharged from such filing. Proceedings in court for the determination of whether or not the filing by any utility district exceeds its reasonable present and future requirements may be instituted by the State of Oregon, by the Water Resources Commission in the name of and for the State of Oregon, or by any other applicant for the right to the use of the waters involved. [Amended by 1955 c.707 §35; 2003 c.576 §407; 2003 c.802 §79]

Source: Section 261.330 — District water right appropriation exclusive if not excessive , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors261.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).