Frequently Asked Questions (finance-related)

BASIC FINANCE DEPARTMENT QUESTIONS

Q: Do I have to get my dog licensed?

Yes. Oregon law requires that every dog in the state be licensed at six months of age or when it has permanent canine teeth. Applications for dog licenses may be obtained at City Hall. Fees range from $17 for a one-year license for a spayed or neutered dog to $95 for a three-year license for a dog that has not been surgically altered.

Call 503-635-0255 for further information.

Q: Does the City provide notary services?

Yes, but only for City business. There is no charge for the service.   (There is a notary at the Library on Saturdays.)

Q: Where is the Police Department?

The City's Police Department is located on the 2nd floor of City Hall.  There direct telephone number is 503-635-0250.

UTILITY PAYMENTS

Q: What are the components of my utility bill?

There are four utility services that the City invoices every two months: Water, Wastewater, Surface Water, and Street Maintenance.

Q: How is my utility bill calculated for this two-month period?

To see utility rates on the Engineering Water Conservation page, click here.

Q: I'm paying my water bill... who do I make the check out to?

Checks for water bills and/or assessment payments should be made out to "City of Lake Oswego" and mailed to: P.O. Box 589, Lake Oswego, OR 97034.

Q: Can I pay my utility bill electronically?

Yes. Our Utility Department has an "auto-pay" program called EasyPay. Your bank will pay the bill straight from your bank account, allowing plenty of time to review your bill and call us with any questions before your payment is due. An application for the EasyPay program can be obtained at City Hall or by calling our Utility Department at 503-635-0265.

Another way to pay your bill electronically is by using your credit card and UtilityOnline.  This is an on-line program, where you can review your utility account, history, and consumption, as well as place service requests, and make credit card payments on-line from the convenience and security of your home computer. 

Q: Why are utility rate increases needed?

Utility rate increases may be necessary to generate additional revenue for capital improvements as approved in the City's 5-year capital improvement plan. The City Council's goal is to only increase utility rates moderately, when necessary, to minimize the financial hardship to utility customers.

POPULATION, TAXES, AND THE BUDGET

Q: What is the population of the City of Lake Oswego?

City population over the last ten years has been as follows:

Q: How many employees does the City have?

The City currently has budgeted 354.5 full-time equivalents.

Q: Where does the City get its money?

The largest source comes from property taxes. The second largest source comes from sales and services such as utility charges.

Q: Where does the City spend its money?

Currently, the City has 17 separate funds set up for different purposes. The major funds include the General  Fund and the Utility funds.

Q: Who collects property taxes for the City? Where do I go with questions about that?

Property taxes are collected by the Clackamas County Department of Assessment & Taxation. This county agency then distributes the City's portion as collected. For questions and/or inquires, please contact the Assessor's Office at 503-655-8671.

Q: When is the budget for the City of Lake Oswego presented?

The budget process for developing the City's budget begins in the spring of each year with adoption by the City Council targeted for June. The Citizens Budget Committee has 7 elected City Council members and 7 appointed citizens, all with equal voting rights. After the committee reviews and recommends changes, if any, the budget is forwarded to the City Council for formal adoption prior to the end of the current fiscal year, June 30.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the City's budgets and/or year-end audit reports?

The budget is available online here. Alternatively, the Finance Department at City Hall will provide a copy at no charge to City residents and $15 to non-residents. You may also review a copy at the Library in the Reference section.

THE CITY'S LARGER FINANCIAL PICTURE

Q: How much debt does the City of Lake Oswego have?

See bond issues.

Q: What are the credit or bond ratings for the City of Lake Oswego?

A credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a financial obligation. On September 29, 2006, the City of Lake Oswego was upgraded to the following credit ratings and they were reaffirmed in 2010 (see also credit rating upgraded):

• Aaa ~ Moody's
• AAA ~ Standard & Poor's

Q: What is the City of Lake Oswego's D-U-N-S Number?

This number is a distinctive nine-digit identification provided by Dun & Bradstreet which links the user to a wealth of quality information products and services an organization provides. The City's number is: 06-524-8932.

Q: What is the City of Lake Oswego's Tax ID Number?

This number is a distinctive nine-digit identification provided by the Internal Revenue Service. The City's number is: 93-6002231.

Q: How do I purchase bonds issued by the City?

These bonds are sold through an investment broker. Contact your broker and inquire whether the firm has any available for purchase.