Damascus, Oregon is a small city located in Clackamas County, just 16 miles east of Portland. With a population of around 11,000 people, it is a close-knit community that prides itself on its small-town charm and natural beauty. But what is the current form of governance in this idyllic city?
The City of Damascus
The City of Damascus was incorporated in 2004, making it one of the newest cities in Oregon. It was formed by a group of citizens who wanted to preserve the rural character of their community and have more control over local decision-making.The city covers an area of 16 square miles and is primarily residential, with some commercial and industrial areas. As a city, Damascus has its own government structure and is responsible for providing essential services to its residents, such as public safety, road maintenance, and planning and zoning. But how is this government structured and who is responsible for making decisions?
The City Council
The City Council is the legislative body of Damascus and is made up of five elected members. They are responsible for setting policies and making decisions on behalf of the city. The Mayor is also a member of the City Council and serves as its chairperson. The City Council meets twice a month to discuss and vote on various issues affecting the city.These meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on matters that are important to them. In addition to their regular meetings, the City Council also holds work sessions to discuss specific topics in more detail. These work sessions are also open to the public, but they do not include public comment periods.
The City Manager
The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of Damascus and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. They are appointed by the City Council and serve as the liaison between the Council and city staff. The City Manager is responsible for implementing the policies set by the City Council and managing the city's budget. They also work closely with other city departments to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and effectively.The Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is a seven-member volunteer board that is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on land use and development proposals within the city.They also play a crucial role in updating and maintaining the city's Comprehensive Plan, which guides future growth and development. The Planning Commission holds public hearings to gather input from residents and other stakeholders before making their recommendations to the City Council. They also work closely with city staff to ensure that development projects comply with local regulations and zoning laws.
The Municipal Court
The Municipal Court of Damascus is responsible for handling traffic violations, code enforcement cases, and other minor offenses that occur within the city limits. The court is presided over by a Municipal Judge who is appointed by the City Council. While the Municipal Court is part of the city's government structure, it operates independently from the City Council and City Manager. This ensures that there is no conflict of interest when it comes to enforcing local laws.The Future of Governance in Damascus
Despite its small size, Damascus has faced its fair share of challenges when it comes to governance.In 2016, a measure was passed to disincorporate the city, which would have dissolved its government structure and made it part of unincorporated Clackamas County. However, this measure was later overturned by a court ruling, and the city remains incorporated. Currently, there is a push for a new form of governance in Damascus, with some residents advocating for a change to a council-manager form of government. This would involve hiring a professional city manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the city, rather than having an elected City Manager. While this debate continues, the current form of governance in Damascus remains intact. The City Council, City Manager, Planning Commission, and Municipal Court all work together to ensure that the city runs smoothly and that the needs of its residents are met.
In Conclusion
The current form of governance in Damascus, Oregon is a unique blend of elected officials and volunteer boards that work together to make decisions on behalf of the city.While there may be ongoing discussions about potential changes to this structure, for now, it remains an effective way to govern this small but vibrant community.
