The Joint Committee on Ways and Means meeting held on April 25, 2025, highlighted pressing issues faced by small communities in Oregon, particularly focusing on the urgent need for funding to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure.

During the meeting, a representative from Glendale, a small city with a population of just under 1,000, presented a compelling case for financial assistance to restore two unusable reservoirs. The representative emphasized that without immediate action, the city could face dire consequences during emergencies, such as droughts or wildfires, where they would have to choose between providing water to residents or fighting fires. The reservoirs require significant repairs, including dredging, new piping, and valves, to ensure a reliable water supply.

The representative also detailed the city's financial struggles, noting that past challenges, including a ransomware attack in 2017, had severely impacted their budget. The city spent $570,000 to recover from the attack, which depleted their funds. With rising operational costs and stagnant revenue from property taxes and fees, Glendale is unable to take on additional debt and relies solely on grants for necessary repairs and improvements.

In addition to the water infrastructure concerns, Dina Houdenshield, director of special services at Clannafall City Schools and a governance board member of the South Central Early Learning Hub, spoke about the importance of early childhood education services in the region. She highlighted the hub's role in connecting families with essential resources, particularly in rural areas with diverse populations.

The discussions underscored the critical need for state support to address infrastructure and educational challenges in small communities across Oregon. The committee's response to these requests will be pivotal in determining the future stability and growth of these regions.