THESE ARE THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS OF STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 541-826-3411 or contact us here.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 541-826-3411 or contact us here.
BILLING QUESTIONS :
CAN MY BILL AMOUNT CHANGE?
Yes, The board reviews the district budget every year to decide whether a raise in rates is needed. As the price of fuel and materials rise, so do our prices. If you have any questions on the district budget , we ask that you come to our monthly board meetings on the Tuesday of each month.
2024 Irrigation rates are:
$70.00 per acre flood Irrigation
$150.00 Account Fee
$70.00 per acre flood Irrigation
$150.00 Account Fee
I DIDN'T RECEIVE MY IRRIGATION BILL?
The first bill is sent out the second week of January and the second bill is sent out June 1st. If you have changed your mailing address, please notify the district of the change. If we don't have your new phone number or mailing address we can't get ahold of you to let you know .The landowner is still responsible for the irrigation bill. A duplicate bill will be provided upon request. We do send a courtesy email reminder two weeks prior to the bill being due . The office can only remind you if you provide either the correct phone number & email address. If you would like to be added on the list click here to sign up.
WHEN IS MY BILL DUE?
The first half is due February 1st, and late if received after March 15th. If late, a $25.00 late fee and interest retroactive to January 1st (16% APR).
The second half is due in July 1st, and late if received after August 15th. If late, a $25.00 late fee and interest retroactive to July 1st (16% APR).
HOW MUCH DOES IRRIGATION COST?
2023 Irrigation Rates:
$70.00 Per Acre
$150.00 Account Fee
$150.00 Account Fee
Just a reminder, you are paying for the operation & maintenance of the district, not the water.
Yes, The board reviews the district budget every year to decide whether a raise in rates is needed. As the price of fuel and materials rise, so do our prices. If you have any questions on the district budget , we ask that you come to our monthly board meetings on the Tuesday of each month.
WHAT DO WE DO IF WE SELL OUR PROPERTY DURING THE YEAR?
Please notify your real estate agent or title company. If you have an assessment due, or one that's been paid, you may be debited or credited for your payment in escrow. The title company notifies our office of the changes and we will transfer everything over into the new property owner within a week after purchase. I would recommend contacting our office , sometimes the title transfers slip through the cracks and we are not notified of the sale.
DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY MY ASSESSMENT IF I DO NOT USE MY WATER?
Yes, One-half of the annual charges for operation and maintenance service will be due and payable on or before the first work day following February 1 of the year to which operation and maintenance applies. If one-half annual charge is not paid by March 15, interest will be added retroactive from January 1st, along with a late fee.
Second half of the annual charges for operation and maintenance service will be due on or before July 1, or in case July 1 is not a work day, the first work day following July 1. Where charges for the second half have not already been recorded as a lien as prescribed above, if the second half charges are not paid by August 15, interest shall be added retroactive from July 1st, along with a late fee.
Second half of the annual charges for operation and maintenance service will be due on or before July 1, or in case July 1 is not a work day, the first work day following July 1. Where charges for the second half have not already been recorded as a lien as prescribed above, if the second half charges are not paid by August 15, interest shall be added retroactive from July 1st, along with a late fee.
WATER QUESTIONS :
IF THE DITCH RUNS THROUGH MY PROPERTY , DO I HAVE RIGHTS TO THE WATER RIGHTS?
No. You may not pump or irrigate with the water, as your property does not have water rights . That would be theft of water. You can apply for water and be added to the waiting list.
More information about water rights:
Under Oregon law, the public owns most of the water in the state. That means that landowners with water flowing past, through, or under their property do not automatically have the right to use it; they need a permit (water right) from the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). While there are some exceptions, generally speaking, anyone who wants to use the public’s water needs a water right, regardless of whether the water is surface water (e.g., stream, lake, reservoir) or groundwater.
*EPID water rights date back to 1915.
More information about water rights:
Under Oregon law, the public owns most of the water in the state. That means that landowners with water flowing past, through, or under their property do not automatically have the right to use it; they need a permit (water right) from the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). While there are some exceptions, generally speaking, anyone who wants to use the public’s water needs a water right, regardless of whether the water is surface water (e.g., stream, lake, reservoir) or groundwater.
*EPID water rights date back to 1915.
CAN I CONVERT TO A SPRINKLER SYSTEM?
If you are interested in converting to sprinklers, talk to our manager to see if it's feasible. If the sprinkler system effects water delivery to other patrons in the water rotation, it may not get approved. If interested please fill out the change of irrigation practice form.
CAN MY IRRIGATION WATER BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSES THAN IRRIGATION ?
No. The water must be used on irrigated portion of your property ONLY. District water is untreated and could contain abrasive sediments or animal waste. It is unsuitable and unsafe for human consumption. Don't drink the water, don't play or swim in the water. If you would like a copy of your irrigation map, please give our office a call 541-826-3411 .
Oregon landowners with an irrigation district water right do not have the authority to move that water to other places on their property, use it in excess of their water right, sell the water right to someone else, or build on top of an irrigation district easement (strips of land along their canals, ditches, and pipelines that are used to manage the delivery of irrigation water).
Oregon landowners with an irrigation district water right do not have the authority to move that water to other places on their property, use it in excess of their water right, sell the water right to someone else, or build on top of an irrigation district easement (strips of land along their canals, ditches, and pipelines that are used to manage the delivery of irrigation water).
Not sure if your property has irrigation ? You can search water rights through the Oregon water resources department website .
CAN I HAVE A POND, DAM OR RESERVOIR?
Rule No. 17. No person shall install or maintain a dam or reservoir within the boundaries of the District without first obtaining approval of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall grant approval only upon finding that such construction or maintenance will not interfere substantially with the distribution of water within the District. Nothing contained herein is intended to supersede the laws and regulations of the State of Oregon.
If you want to put in a reservoir or pond, you need to have it approved by the district manager, Board of Directors, and the Watermaster.
If you want to put in a reservoir or pond, you need to have it approved by the district manager, Board of Directors, and the Watermaster.
HOW LONG DO I RECEIVE IRRIGATION WATER ?
Irrigation season starts in early April, and will go through early October. Each property has a different allotted time for irrigation water. For example: a 10 acre parcel gets water 9 hrs once every two weeks.
All questions about your water should be directed towards your ditch rider. If you don't know who that is , contact the office @ 541-826-3411 and we'll give you the correct phone number.
All questions about your water should be directed towards your ditch rider. If you don't know who that is , contact the office @ 541-826-3411 and we'll give you the correct phone number.
WHERE IS MY WATER ROTATION SCHEDULE?
Schedules are mailed the last week of March. If you have not received one by April 1, please contact the office. We can send you another, via email, standard mail or fax.
IS SOMEBODY TAKING WATER OUT OF TURN?
CALL YOUR DITCH RIDER IMMEDIATELY !!!!!!
Chuck : (541) 890-9194 |
Jeff : (541) 944-9947 |
Neal (541) 944-5535 |
|
Alta Vista
Butte Falls Hwy Bigham Brown Brophy Brownsboro Meridian Riley Reese Creek Hwy 140 Worthington |
Agate
Ball Butte Falls Hwy Derby Hammel Linn Road Lexington Drive Nick Young Hwy 62 Reese Creek Sierra Drive |
Main Canal Patrolman
Butte Falls Hwy - East Derby |
BOARD MEETING QUESTIONS :
WHEN ARE BOARD MEETINGS HELD?
Board meetings are the second Tuesday of each month . Meetings are held at the district office, located at 2429 Brophy Road. Meetings start at 5 P.M. sharp. Please check our website, as the dates of the meeting could change. Meeting notice and agenda are posted on our homepage the Friday before each meeting.
WHAT IF I WANT TO SPEAK AT A BOARD MEETING?
These meeting are open to the public . If you have something to present to the Board, please contact the office at least one week in advance to be placed on the agenda. Please limit your presentation to 5 minutes.
HOW TO BECOME A BOARD OF DIRECTOR?
ARTICLE VIII - DIRECTORS
A. QUALIFICATIONS:
1. No person elected or appointed to the Board shall be sworn in unless such person meets the following specific qualifications: (a) A resident of the State of Oregon and (b) a bona-fide owner, or a shareholder of a bona-fide corporation owner, of land with water right within the District boundaries.
2. If questions exist regarding the eligibility of any candidate, the Board shall obtain an opinion from legal counsel prior to swearing in such person.
B. OATH OF OFFICE:
Each newly elected or appointed Board Member shall take an oath of office at the Board Meeting
1. Board of Directors. The affairs of the District shall be managed by the Board of Directors. Directors must be residents of the State of Oregon and an owner or shareholder of a corporation owner, of land within the District. ORS 545.043
2. Number and Term of Office. The number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors will be three. The term of office of a Director is three years. A Director shall hold office from the first Tuesday in January next following the election and until a successor is elected and qualified. ORS 545.135 (1).
3. Annual Meeting. A regular annual meeting of the Directors will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the District on the first Tuesday in January, or at such other time as set by the Directors. ORS 545.181 (1) (a), (b), (c).
4. Regular Meetings. The Directors shall hold regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, or at such other time as set by the Directors. Regular monthly meetings shall be held in the office of the District. ORS 545.185.
5. Special Meetings. Special meeting of the Directors may be held when ordered by a majority of the Directors. ORS 545.185.
6. Emergency Meetings. Emergency meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Manager or any board member when an actual emergency exists. ORS 192.640(3).
7. Executive Sessions. The Directors are authorized to meet in executive, or closed session, when authorized under Oregon's Public Meeting Law. ORS
192.660. Such sessions shall be conducted as required by law.
8. Notice of Board of Directors Meeting. Written notice of any regular monthly or special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be provided to Directors not less than five days before the date of such meeting. Such notice shall specify the time and place of the meeting and, in event of a special meeting, the purpose(s) for which the meeting has been called. The notice shall be delivered either by mail or in person. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United Stated mail addressed to the Director at the Directors address as it appears on the records of the District, with postage prepaid thereon. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting.
9. Quorum and Voting Requirements: A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the District. However, on all questions requiring a vote there shall be a concurrence of a majority of all the Directors. ORS 545.185
10. Public Meeting and Records. All meetings of the Directors shall be public and all records of the Board of Directors shall be open to public inspection during business hours. ORS 545.181 and 545.185, except as otherwise set out by law, and Oregon's Public Meeting Law, 192.610 to 192.710.
11. Vacancies. Any vacancy in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by a majority vote of the remaining Directors, at any regular monthly meeting or special meeting called for such purpose. A vacancy shall be filled as provided by law. ORS 545.187:198.320.
12. Election to Fill Vacancy. If a vacancy in the Board occurs less than 25 days before a regular annual director election, the vacancy shall be filled at the next regular annual director election.
13. Recall of Directors. A Director may be removed from office by recall as provided in ORS 545.189 and 198.410 to 198.440.
14. Telephonic/Electronic Meeting. Subject to compliance with Oregon's Public Meeting Law, any meeting of the Board may be accomplished in whole or in part by telephonic conference call or other electronic communication. ORS 192.670(1).
15. VOTING: Each member of the board will be entitled to one [1] vote at all Board Meetings
ARTICLE IX - POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT: It is the policy of the Board of Directors to exercise those power granted to it, and to carry out those powers granted to it, and to carry out those duties assigned to it by law, in such a way as to best meet the needs of the District.
B. FORMULATION AND INTERPRETATION OF DISTRICT POLICY: The most important activity of the Board is the formulation and interpretation of District polices. The Board shall establish policy, reserving to itself all authority and responsibility not expressly assigned to other District officers and personnel.
C. BOARD MEMBERS AUTHORIZED BY OFFICIAL BOARD ACTION ONLY: No individual Board member may speak for or act on behalf of the Board or District, except as authorized to do so by official Board action as recorded in the official minutes, guidelines or policies of the District.
D. ETHICAL STANDARDS: Board members act as representatives of the patrons of the District. Therefore, Board members shall adhere to the highest ethical standards in the conduct of District business. All Board members are mandated to use fiscal conservation.
E. BOARD MEMBER EDUCATION: In order to effectively carry out their duties, Board members must be adequately informed. Members are encouraged to attend such conferences and other training programs as the Board may authorize.
ARTICLE X - OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. OFFICERS:
The District shall have the following officers: a President, one or more Vice-Presidents (as determined by the Board of Directors); a Secretary; and such other officers as may be elected by the Board of Directors in accordance with these By-laws and law. Such officers who are elected or appointed by the Board shall have such authority and perform such duties as are designated from time to time by the Board. The same person may not hold more than one office, except that the same person can be Secretary and Manager.
B. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE:
The Board of Directors shall elect a President and a Vice-President from their number, and shall appoint a Secretary of the District, on an annual basis at the annual meeting of the Board, or as soon thereafter as practicable. At any annual meeting thereof, the Board may create such new offices and elect new officers as they deem appropriate. Each officer shall hold office until such officer's successor shall be elected or appointed. Officers may be removed by the majority of the Board without cause.
C. VACANCIES:
Any office of the District which becomes vacant prior to expiration of the normal term thereof for any reason, including resignation, removal, disqualification or death, may be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of such normal term or until the next regular election, whichever comes first.
D. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE: The Board of Directors may remove any officer of the District at any time, provided they determine that such removal is in the best interest of the District.
E. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT:
1. The President of the District shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors of the District. The President may sign, together with the Secretary/Manager, or any other person designated by the District, any contract, deed, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness or other document authorized to be executed by the Board of Directors, except where the Board of Directors, these By-laws or applicable law has authorized execution by other parties. To the extent permitted by applicable law and these By-laws, the President shall have all powers and perform all duties incident to the Office of President, or as otherwise designated by the Board.
2. The President shall have the same right as other members of the Board to discuss and to vote on questions before the Board.
3. The President may call Special Meetings of the Board as described by the Oregon Public Meetings Law and Policy herein.
F. DUTIES OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT:
In the absence of the President, the Vice-president shall act in place of the President and possess all the authority, power and duties of the President during such time. To the extent permitted by applicable law and these By-laws, the Vice-President shall have all power and perform all duties incident to the Office of Vice-President, or as otherwise designated by the Board.
G. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY:
1. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the District; act as custodian of the corporate records and corporate seal; execute documents on behalf of the District as provided by these Bylaws, by authority of the Board or applicable law.
2. The Secretary shall deposit funds of the District in such banks or other depositories and in such manner as is provided in these Bylaws as directed by the Board, or as required by law.
3. The Secretary shall collect all fees, charges and assessments of the District; shall be responsible for preservation and maintenance of all funds, securities and related items of the District, and shall maintain full and complete books of account with respect thereto.
4. The Secretary shall perform all duties and functions of Secretary in the conduct of District Elections as provided by law.
5. To the extent permitted or required by applicable law and these By-laws, the Secretary shall have all powers and perform all duties incident to the Office of Secretary, or as otherwise designated by the Board.
6. Before handling or receiving any funds or collecting any charges or assessments, the Secretary of the District shall obtain a good and sufficient surety bond by an authorized surety company, in the amount that the Board may determine. The cost of the bond shall be paid by the District. ORS 545.498.
A. QUALIFICATIONS:
1. No person elected or appointed to the Board shall be sworn in unless such person meets the following specific qualifications: (a) A resident of the State of Oregon and (b) a bona-fide owner, or a shareholder of a bona-fide corporation owner, of land with water right within the District boundaries.
2. If questions exist regarding the eligibility of any candidate, the Board shall obtain an opinion from legal counsel prior to swearing in such person.
B. OATH OF OFFICE:
Each newly elected or appointed Board Member shall take an oath of office at the Board Meeting
1. Board of Directors. The affairs of the District shall be managed by the Board of Directors. Directors must be residents of the State of Oregon and an owner or shareholder of a corporation owner, of land within the District. ORS 545.043
2. Number and Term of Office. The number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors will be three. The term of office of a Director is three years. A Director shall hold office from the first Tuesday in January next following the election and until a successor is elected and qualified. ORS 545.135 (1).
3. Annual Meeting. A regular annual meeting of the Directors will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the District on the first Tuesday in January, or at such other time as set by the Directors. ORS 545.181 (1) (a), (b), (c).
4. Regular Meetings. The Directors shall hold regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, or at such other time as set by the Directors. Regular monthly meetings shall be held in the office of the District. ORS 545.185.
5. Special Meetings. Special meeting of the Directors may be held when ordered by a majority of the Directors. ORS 545.185.
6. Emergency Meetings. Emergency meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Manager or any board member when an actual emergency exists. ORS 192.640(3).
7. Executive Sessions. The Directors are authorized to meet in executive, or closed session, when authorized under Oregon's Public Meeting Law. ORS
192.660. Such sessions shall be conducted as required by law.
8. Notice of Board of Directors Meeting. Written notice of any regular monthly or special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be provided to Directors not less than five days before the date of such meeting. Such notice shall specify the time and place of the meeting and, in event of a special meeting, the purpose(s) for which the meeting has been called. The notice shall be delivered either by mail or in person. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United Stated mail addressed to the Director at the Directors address as it appears on the records of the District, with postage prepaid thereon. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting.
9. Quorum and Voting Requirements: A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the District. However, on all questions requiring a vote there shall be a concurrence of a majority of all the Directors. ORS 545.185
10. Public Meeting and Records. All meetings of the Directors shall be public and all records of the Board of Directors shall be open to public inspection during business hours. ORS 545.181 and 545.185, except as otherwise set out by law, and Oregon's Public Meeting Law, 192.610 to 192.710.
11. Vacancies. Any vacancy in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by a majority vote of the remaining Directors, at any regular monthly meeting or special meeting called for such purpose. A vacancy shall be filled as provided by law. ORS 545.187:198.320.
12. Election to Fill Vacancy. If a vacancy in the Board occurs less than 25 days before a regular annual director election, the vacancy shall be filled at the next regular annual director election.
13. Recall of Directors. A Director may be removed from office by recall as provided in ORS 545.189 and 198.410 to 198.440.
14. Telephonic/Electronic Meeting. Subject to compliance with Oregon's Public Meeting Law, any meeting of the Board may be accomplished in whole or in part by telephonic conference call or other electronic communication. ORS 192.670(1).
15. VOTING: Each member of the board will be entitled to one [1] vote at all Board Meetings
ARTICLE IX - POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT: It is the policy of the Board of Directors to exercise those power granted to it, and to carry out those powers granted to it, and to carry out those duties assigned to it by law, in such a way as to best meet the needs of the District.
B. FORMULATION AND INTERPRETATION OF DISTRICT POLICY: The most important activity of the Board is the formulation and interpretation of District polices. The Board shall establish policy, reserving to itself all authority and responsibility not expressly assigned to other District officers and personnel.
C. BOARD MEMBERS AUTHORIZED BY OFFICIAL BOARD ACTION ONLY: No individual Board member may speak for or act on behalf of the Board or District, except as authorized to do so by official Board action as recorded in the official minutes, guidelines or policies of the District.
D. ETHICAL STANDARDS: Board members act as representatives of the patrons of the District. Therefore, Board members shall adhere to the highest ethical standards in the conduct of District business. All Board members are mandated to use fiscal conservation.
E. BOARD MEMBER EDUCATION: In order to effectively carry out their duties, Board members must be adequately informed. Members are encouraged to attend such conferences and other training programs as the Board may authorize.
ARTICLE X - OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. OFFICERS:
The District shall have the following officers: a President, one or more Vice-Presidents (as determined by the Board of Directors); a Secretary; and such other officers as may be elected by the Board of Directors in accordance with these By-laws and law. Such officers who are elected or appointed by the Board shall have such authority and perform such duties as are designated from time to time by the Board. The same person may not hold more than one office, except that the same person can be Secretary and Manager.
B. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE:
The Board of Directors shall elect a President and a Vice-President from their number, and shall appoint a Secretary of the District, on an annual basis at the annual meeting of the Board, or as soon thereafter as practicable. At any annual meeting thereof, the Board may create such new offices and elect new officers as they deem appropriate. Each officer shall hold office until such officer's successor shall be elected or appointed. Officers may be removed by the majority of the Board without cause.
C. VACANCIES:
Any office of the District which becomes vacant prior to expiration of the normal term thereof for any reason, including resignation, removal, disqualification or death, may be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of such normal term or until the next regular election, whichever comes first.
D. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE: The Board of Directors may remove any officer of the District at any time, provided they determine that such removal is in the best interest of the District.
E. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT:
1. The President of the District shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors of the District. The President may sign, together with the Secretary/Manager, or any other person designated by the District, any contract, deed, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness or other document authorized to be executed by the Board of Directors, except where the Board of Directors, these By-laws or applicable law has authorized execution by other parties. To the extent permitted by applicable law and these By-laws, the President shall have all powers and perform all duties incident to the Office of President, or as otherwise designated by the Board.
2. The President shall have the same right as other members of the Board to discuss and to vote on questions before the Board.
3. The President may call Special Meetings of the Board as described by the Oregon Public Meetings Law and Policy herein.
F. DUTIES OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT:
In the absence of the President, the Vice-president shall act in place of the President and possess all the authority, power and duties of the President during such time. To the extent permitted by applicable law and these By-laws, the Vice-President shall have all power and perform all duties incident to the Office of Vice-President, or as otherwise designated by the Board.
G. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY:
1. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the District; act as custodian of the corporate records and corporate seal; execute documents on behalf of the District as provided by these Bylaws, by authority of the Board or applicable law.
2. The Secretary shall deposit funds of the District in such banks or other depositories and in such manner as is provided in these Bylaws as directed by the Board, or as required by law.
3. The Secretary shall collect all fees, charges and assessments of the District; shall be responsible for preservation and maintenance of all funds, securities and related items of the District, and shall maintain full and complete books of account with respect thereto.
4. The Secretary shall perform all duties and functions of Secretary in the conduct of District Elections as provided by law.
5. To the extent permitted or required by applicable law and these By-laws, the Secretary shall have all powers and perform all duties incident to the Office of Secretary, or as otherwise designated by the Board.
6. Before handling or receiving any funds or collecting any charges or assessments, the Secretary of the District shall obtain a good and sufficient surety bond by an authorized surety company, in the amount that the Board may determine. The cost of the bond shall be paid by the District. ORS 545.498.