PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland City Council voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to adopt a new utility fee meant to prop up the city’s ailing transportation agency and bankroll basic road maintenance.
Having previously discussed the ordinance at length in committee meetings involving the full council, the ordinance sailed through without debate during Wednesday afternoon’s session in a 9-3 vote. Only councilors Dan Ryan, Eric Zimmerman and Loretta Smith voted against.
Councilor Steve Novick, who has been outspoken in pushing for a solution to the road maintenance dilemma, lauded his colleagues for passing the fee…