Park Utility Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is A Parks Utility Fund Needed?
For several years there have been many right-of-way and beautification areas developed that have become the maintenance responsibility of the City of Medford Parks and Recreation Department. However, there were no dedicated funds to help offset the cost of maintenance. Examples of these include:
- Biddle Road
- Hwy 238 - Medford Entry Sign Area
- Phoenix/Foothill Road
- McAndrews Extension
- North Medford Interchange
- Park Strips - throughout Medford
At the February 24, 2005 City Council meeting, two options for funding maintenance were presented. The first was to hire additional personnel at an estimated annual cost of $244,000 and the second was to contract for maintenance services, currently projected to cost $75,000 annually. At this meeting, staff was directed to move forward with the second option and also to establish a Park Utility Fund to pay for those services.
On June 16, 2005, the Medford City Council approved Ordinance 2005-120 establishing a per unit/monthly fee to be billed via the Medford Water bill.
Who Pays The Park Utility Fund (PUF)
Each developed parcel in the City of Medford will be assessed a per unit/monthly fee. Ordinance 2005-120 states that the person paying the City's water utility charges shall pay the fee. The fee commences upon connection to the water system, completion, occupancy, or use of improvements; whichever comes first. This fee will not show individually on your water statements but rather is included in the amount of the Street Utility Fee line item.
How Much is Collected?
The amount of .31 cent per unit/per month was deemed reasonable and necessary to pay for the operation and maintenance of accepted beautification and right-of-ways within the City. Beginning in February 2007 an additional fee of $2.56 will be assessed; this additional money will be used exclusively for development of the Medford Sports and Community Park.
What is Meant by Per Unit?
A unit is defined as a residential dwelling unit, business unit or tenant space. If two dwelling units are associated with the water bill then the charge will be .31 x 2 units, if a business complex has 4 units the charge will be.31 x 4 units.
Are there Exceptions to the Fee?
Yes, Ordinance 2005-120 does allow for fees to not be assessed when the property is unoccupied. You can contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 774-2400, visit their website at www.ci.medford.or.us/parks, or e-mail parks@cityofmedford.org for further information.