City of North Bend release - NORTH BEND, Ore. — Residents will have an opportunity to learn about several major issues facing the community during a town hall meeting hosted by the City of North Bend this month.  The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 30, at the North Bend Community Center, 2222 Broadway. City officials say the event is intended to provide information, answer questions and allow residents to better understand several topics expected to shape the city’s future, including workforce housing, a proposed public safety fee ballot measure, potential amendments to the city charter, infrastructure needs, the municipal pool levy and the city’s upcoming budget.  City leaders emphasized that the meeting is informational and no formal decisions will be made.  Workforce housing project:  One of the major topics will be the city’s effort to address a shortage of housing for local workers.  Officials plan to discuss a proposal to redevelop the former Coos County Courthouse Annex property in downtown North Bend into workforce housing. Early concepts suggest the site could accommodate approximately 70 housing units intended for people who work in the community, such as teachers, nurses, service workers and first responders.  City leaders say the project is still in early planning stages. Federal and state funding has already been secured to support feasibility analysis and infrastructure planning, and the town hall will outline potential next steps for evaluating the redevelopment opportunity.  Public safety fee ballot measure:  Residents will also hear details about a proposed increase to the city’s public safety fee that is expected to appear on the May 19, 2026, primary election ballot.  The fee currently helps fund core police services, including patrol staffing and emergency response operations. The proposed measure would increase the monthly fee by $5.  If approved by voters, the additional revenue would help maintain current police services and fund the addition of a police detective position to strengthen investigative capacity. City officials say the town hall will allow residents to ask questions and better understand the proposal ahead of the election.  Proposed changes to the city charter:  Another topic will be a set of proposed amendments to the North Bend City Charter, which serves as the city’s governing document.  The proposed changes would extend the mayor’s term from two years to four years, update the title of city administrator to city manager and clarify the separation between policy decisions made by the City Council and administrative operations carried out by staff.  Additional updates would address how council rules are adopted and clarify procedures for filling City Council vacancies under certain circumstances. If approved by voters, the charter changes would take effect July 1, 2026.  Infrastructure and sewer system updates:  City staff will also provide an update on the condition of North Bend’s infrastructure systems, including streets, sewer lines and stormwater drainage.  Officials say much of the city’s infrastructure was built decades ago and requires ongoing maintenance and long-term planning to remain reliable. The city has implemented a data-driven pavement management system to evaluate street conditions and prioritize repairs.  Staff will also discuss the city’s wastewater system, including the treatment plant and sewer network serving homes and businesses throughout the community. Financial analysis from the city’s sewer rate study shows that without adjustments to revenues, reserves could decline over time while still needing to support operations and future infrastructure projects.  Municipal pool levy update:  Residents will also receive an update on the North Bend Municipal Pool and the five-year property tax levy voters approved in 2021 to support its operation.  The pool, built in 1957, had previously faced a significant operating deficit and was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The levy, set at 56 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, created a dedicated funding source for operating the facility.  City officials say the pool has also undergone significant repairs in recent years, including a major pump replacement and other improvements funded through federal assistance and community partnerships.  City budget outlook:  The meeting will conclude with a discussion of the city’s upcoming fiscal year 2026-27 budget and the long-term financial outlook.  Like many cities across Oregon, North Bend faces rising costs and revenue limitations tied to property tax restrictions. Current projections show city expenditures exceeding revenues, creating what officials describe as a structural budget gap.  City leaders say the town hall will give residents an opportunity to better understand the financial challenges facing the city and share feedback about priorities for city services moving forward.  City officials encourage residents to attend, ask questions and participate in the discussion about North Bend’s future.