Demographics

Population
	1990	2000	2005	2006
City of Gaston	563	600	630	630
Washington County	311,554	445,342	489,785	500,585

Sources: 1990, 2000 US Census; 2205, 2006 Center for Population Research and Census, Portland State University. 0 indicates data is unavailable.

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Washington County	727 sq miles	689	persons/sq mile	Sources: figures based on 2006 PSU population estimates;
				Oregon Bluebook county square mileage

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Community Age Groups

	1970	1980	1990	2000
Under 5 years	0	0	69	49
5-19 years	0	0	175	203
20-44 years	0	0	252	215
45-64 years	0	0	95	109
65+ years	0	0	15	24
Median Age	0	0	26	28.5

Source: US Census, 0 or N/A indicates data is not available. Median value is the middle value, not an average.

Housing

Total Housing Units	1970	1980	1990	2000	Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing, 2000
City of Gaston	124	147	183	207	$142,500
Washington County	46,085	89,348	124,716	178,913	$184,800

City of Gaston 2000 Housing Breakout:						Also visit Housing and Community Services Web Site:
Vacancy Rate:	4.83%		Median Owner Cost			http://www.hcs.state.or.us/
Owner Occupied:	119		(mortgaged):	$1,056
Renter Occupied:	77		Median Gross Rent:	$494

Source: US Census. Median value is the middle value, not an average.

Economic Development and Employment

Principal Industries of the County(ies):
Washington County—Agriculture, business services, manufacturing (rubber & plastic; industrial machine & equipment, instruments, electronics)

Source: Oregon Employment Department, Covered Employment and Payroll Reports, 1998

Agricultural Products of the Area (Top 3 largest gross farm sales):
Washington County—Specialty products, grass and legume seeds, small fruits and berries

Source: Oregon State University, Extension Economic Information Office

Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the County:

Washington County

838

Source: Oregon Employment Department, Covered Employment and Payroll Reports, 1998

Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the City: 2
Source: City Administration

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Economic Indicators

					Washington County		Oregon
					2001	2002	2000	2001	2002
Population					455,800	463,050	3,421,399	3,471,700	3,504,700
Labor Force					270,572	272,311	1,802,938	1,793,773	1,840,133
Total Employment							1,715,453	1,679,914	1,701,390
Unemployment					13,673	18,222	87,485	113,859	138,743
Unemployment Rate					5.1%	6.7%	4.9%	6.3%	7.5%
Non-Farm Payroll Employment					0		1,606,800	1,596,100	1,572,500
Total Covered Employment					228,509	221,543	1,607,944	1,596,943	1,573,083
Total Covered Payroll ($ thousands county/ $ millions state)					$9,645,548	$9,296,987	$52,701	$53,021	$52,989
Ave. Annual Payroll Per Employee					$42,211	$41,965	$32,776	$33,202	$33,684
Number of Business Units					13,302	13,522	108,432	111,353	113,097
Total Personal Income ($ millions)					$149,419	$149,761	$94,999	$98,500	$101,358
Annual Per Capita Personal Income					$	$31,578	$27,649	$28,400	28,792
Assessed Value of Property ($ millions)					$0	$45,004	$198,911	$210,435	$219,878
Residential Construction   Building Permits   Value ($ thousands)					4,075 $678,116	4,255 $724,645	19,877 $2,533	21,049 $2,985	22,186 $3,347
Travel Expenditures ($ millions)					$0	$341,300	$6,133	$6,128	$6,208
Travel-Related Employment					0	4,530	89,800	91,100	90,200

 Preliminary Data
Sources: Oregon Employment Department; Center for Population Research & Census, PSU; U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Economic Analysis; Oregon Tourism Commission; Oregon Department of Revenue; Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.

5 Largest Employers, Public and Private as of June, 2002

Employer—Product/Service	Number of Employees
Gaston School District—Education	59
Gaston Market—Gas and Market
Accu-Fab—Custom Remanufacturing, Fabrication, Moldings	10
Phlogiston Products—Aircraft Parts	9
Consol Screw & Maching—Turned Parts	5

Source: City Administration

Oregon Employment Labor Market Information

This link takes you to the Oregon Employment Department, Labor Market Analysis database. County information can be obtained here. http://olmis.emp.state.or.us/—Click on Regional Information.

Local and Regional Economic Development Organizations

City of Gaston	503-985-3340
Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District—http://www.nwcolpac.org/	503-397-2888
Economic & Community Development Department Regional Development Officer—http://econ.oregon.gov/	503-229-5115

Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department

Education/Workforce

Public and Private Schools K–12

Public School District:
Gaston School District 511J
300 Park St
PO Box 68
Gaston, OR 97119-0068
Phone: 503-985-0210
Fax: 503-985-3366


Staff and Enrollments:
District Certified Staff: reported October 2000—38
Total District Enrollment: reported October 2001—573

Other Schools in the School District (Private, Parochial)
To see if there are private and/or parochial schools in this district please visit http://www.ode.state.or.us/pubs/directory/

Source: Oregon Department of Education

Oregon Community Colleges and Public Universities

For a list of public and private educational institutions in Oregon visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/ed.htm.

Workforce

Oregon Economic and Community Development Department Workforce Advocate 503–986–0207, or visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/workforce.htm. Locate local workforce assistance at http://www.worksourceoregon.org/.

Financial Information

Financial Institutions

Commercial Banks: 0   Savings and Loans: 0   Credit Unions: 0

Source: City Administration

Taxes

Sales Tax Oregon has no general sales tax.

Property Tax
Property—Who pays? Owners of real and business personal property, according to the assessed value of taxable residential, commercial, farm, industrial, utility and timber property.

County assessors use permanent rates set for all taxing districts in fiscal year 1997–98, when taxes were significantly reduced with a statewide average 17 percent cut in tax levies. Certain types of levies are outside this reduction. The tax rates cannot exceed $15 per $1,000 of real market value. For 1997–98, all property was valued by county assessors at 90 percent of the July 1, 1995, levels. For subsequent years, assessed values are limited to a 3 percent annual growth rate. Construction since July 1, 1995, is valued at the average rate of similar properties in the area. Business personal property requires annual filing. One–third payment is due by November 15. If fully paid by November 15, a 3 percent discount is allowed. Special exemptions, tax relief programs and deferrals are available. For more information contact the Washington County assessor’s office at 503–648–8741.

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Tax rates are representative of the largest tax code in the city. The rates are expressed as tax liability per $1,000 of assessed property value.

	Washington County
Average Compressed Tax Rate 1997-98	$14.29
Average Compressed Tax Rate 1998-99	$14.31
Average 1999 Housing Value	$134,605
Ave Res Property Tax Paid on Ave House 1997-98	$1,851.87
Ave Res Property Tax Paid on Ave House 1998-99	$1,926.20
Average School rate 1998-99 . . . . . . . . $7.65
Average Non-School Rate 1998-99. . . . $10.36
Average City Rate 1998-99 . . . . . . . . . $6.61

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Business Taxes
Property—see above

Income—Corporations doing or authorized to do business in Oregon pay excise tax. Corporations not doing or authorized to do business, but having income from an Oregon source, pay income tax. For more information contact the Oregon Department of Revenue, 955 Center St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503–378–4988, http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Unemployment Insurance—Employers pay this. For 2002, new employers are assigned a fixed rate of 3 percent of taxable wage base. Tax rates for existing employers are based on employers' experience and range from 1 percent to 5.4 percent of taxable wage base. Taxes are paid quarterly and are due by the end of the month following the quarter. In 2002, the tax is paid on the first $25,000 of wages paid to each employee. The rate schedule in effect depends on the balance in the Trust Fund as of August 31 each year and the amount of revenue needed to maintain the balance at a level adequate to pay benefits. For more information contact the Oregon Employment Department, 875 Union St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503–947–1488, web http://www.employment.oregon.gov/.

Utilities, Railroad, Weight-mile—Who pays? All railroads and investor-owned utilities operating with the state pay an annual fee. For-hire and private motor carriers operating into, within and through the state pay weight-mile taxes. Rates—limit of .25 percent of gross operating revenues of investor-owned utilities; .25 percent charged on 2002 revenues. Limit of .35 percent on gross operating revenues of railroads; .267 percent charged in 2002 revenues. Applications, plate fees and per-mile rates dependent on declared combined weight of vehicle. For more information contact the Oregon Public Utility Commission, 550 Capitol St., NE, Suite 215, Salem, OR 97301–2551, 503–378–6611, web http://www.oregon.gov/PUC/; Oregon Department of Transportation, Rail Section, 555 13th St., NE, Salem, OR 97310–1333, 503–986–4125, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL/; Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transport Branch, 550 Capitol St., NE, Salem, OR 97301–3871, 503–378–6699, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/.


Incentives
Oregon's Business Incentives.

Miscellaneous
Motor Vehicle Licensing, Driver Licensing, Fuels—Who pays? Owners and operators of motor vehicles. Oil companies importing fuels. Truckers using Oregon highways. Fees—Registration fees, driver license fees and renewals (contact the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services division 503–945–5000, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/

Hunting and Fishing Licenses—contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 59, Portland, OR 97207, general information 503–872–5268, licenses/tags/permits 503–872–5275, web http://www.dfw.state.or.us/.

Amusement Device Tax—An excise tax is imposed upon every person who operates an amusement device in Oregon. An amusement device is a video lottery game terminal. More information from the Oregon Lottery Commission, 500 Airport Rd SE, Salem, 97301, web http://www.oregonlottery.org/.

Emergency Communications (9–1–1) Tax—Telephone companies providing local exchange access services in Oregon Collect this tax from their customers. The tax, which is $0.75 per line per month, is reported and paid quarterly. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Hazardous Substance Fee—Paid by possessors of nonpetroleum hazardous substance. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Petroleum Load Fee—Paid by petroleum suppliers and importers to Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Timber Severance Tax—Paid by timber owners on harvested timber’s value. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Forest Products Harvest Tax—Paid on timber cut from any land in Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Dry Cleaning Tax—Paid by operators of dry cleaning facilities. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Alcoholic Beverages—Manufacturers and/or import wholesalers of malt beverages and wines pay a privilege tax. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of distilled spirits, malt beverages and wines pay license fees. Employees who serve alcoholic beverages pay for service permits. For more information contact the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, PO Box 22297, Portland, OR 97222, 503–872–5000 or 1–800–452–6522 (in Oregon), web http://www.oregon.gov/OLCC/.

Tobacco Products—Cigarette and tobacco products distributors are required to purchase tax stamps for cigarettes or pay a percentage of the wholesale price on other tobacco products. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Transit Payroll Tax–paid by employers in the Tri-Met (Portland area) and Lane Transit District (Eugene) for mass transit systems. Administered by the Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Many local governments in Oregon collect other taxes, such as hotel-motel taxes. Contact the city or county in which you are interested for more complete information about taxes in that area.

Source: Oregon Department of Revenue, “A Summary of Taxes,” January 2002; County information–County Assessor’s Office

Community Services and Resources

Public Safety/Emergency Services

Fire Station(s) serving community: Gaston Rural Fire Department
Number of paid and volunteer firefighters: 23
Rating by Insurance Services Organization (ISO): 6-8-9*
Comments:
City Administration

Police Department: Gaston Police Department, Washington County Sheriff
Number of paid and reserve officers: 5


Nearest Hospital and distance: Tuality Forest Grove Hospital, 7 miles in Forest Grove
Regional Hospital and distance: Tuality Forest Grove Hospital, 7 miles in Forest Grove
Emergency services to community: Ambulance Service
General Clinic(s): 0

Source: City Administration

Communications Resources

Local Newspapers: None

Regional Newspapers: The Oregonian (Portland, Forest Grove News-Times

Radio Stations: City receives 14 AM, 11 FM stations

TV Stations: City receives 6 stations

Available Cable Television: TCI Cable

Telephone Service Provider(s): Verizon

Local Internet Service Provider(s): Yes
Number of Internet Service Providers: Data unavailable at this time.
Source: City Administration

Library System
1 public library–Gaston Community Library a non-profit organization

Source: City Administration

Planning Service/Regulatory

Regulatory System	Year Acknowledged	Year Last Revised	Year of Periodic Review	Comments
Comprehensive Plan	1973	2002		Finished and adopted
Zoning Ordinance		1981
Building Permit System				Handled by Washington County
Subdivision Ordinance		1981		Adopted
Strategic Plan

Territory Covered by Zoning
Municipality Yes     County Yes
Source: City Administration

Industrial Lands
Does the Community seek industrial development? Yes
Access Statewide industrial lands database—http://www.oregonprospector.com/
Source: Economic and Community Development Department

Special Districts and Associations (ports, water, sewer, etc.)
Name of Special District and the Oregon Revised Statute it was created under:
Community Action Organization; Tualatin Valley Irrigation District; Tualatin Valley Water District; Clean Water Services; Wapato Improvement District; Washington County Drainage District #7; Washington County Communications; Washington County Enhanced Sheriff; Washington County Fire District 2; Washington County S.W.C.D.; Washington County Vector Control District; West Slope Water District; Wolsborn Farm Water District

Special Districts Association of Oregon—727 Center St., NE Salem, OR 97301, 503–371–8667 or 800–285–5461 http://www.sdao.com/
Source: City Administration

Infrastructure/Transportation

Water Supply

Operator: City of Gaston
District:
Source: City of Hillsboro
Supply: Treated; Capacity (MGD)– ; Pressure (PSI)–20-25

Current Water Utilization on Meter Size (MGD): MGD
Water Costs per thousand gallons: Base rate per/thousand = In-town, single meter= $11.68/1000 gallons + $5.14/1,000 over 1,000
Water Costs for Total Consumption of Residential: Based on 7,000 gallons = $40.47

Age of Water System:

Water System Comment(s): Water purchased from the City of Hillsboro

Compliance Issues: None

Water debt repayment included as part of tax assessment? No

Date of Current Master Plan: 2002

Plans for Upgrading or Expanding: Yes
Source: City Administration

Wastewater Treatment System

Operator: Clean Water Services          Age of Wastewater Collection System:
District: Clean Water Services

System Design Capacity (MGD): The Forest Grove Facility covers Gaston, Banks, part of Forest Grove, and part of Cornelius: 2.6 MGD (average dry flow)     System Utilization (MGD): MGD
Collection System Fees: 0    Hook-up or Connection Fee: 0
Access Fee or System Development Fee: $2,400

Comment(s) on Wastewater System: Treatment is provided regionally. System Development Fee covers Hook-up/Connection Fee. Monthly fee as of July 1, 2003 - $25.83 (system-wide average). For more information, please call Clean Water Services, 503-846-8621.

Compliance Issues:

Date of Last Facility Plan: 2000 (Clean Water Services)

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:

Storm Drain: Yes    Storm Water Discharge Fee:
Fees or issues related to storm drains: $500/ 2,640 square feet – start up fee; $4/ 2,640 square feet – monthly fee.
Source: City Administration

Utilities

Telecommunications

Is there access to broadband infrastructure? Yes If yes, check all that apply: Fiberoptic Is there route diversity? Yes

Access Monthly Fee Other Fee T1 Yes varies varies DSL No Cable Yes

For Oregon Telecommunications information and resources, visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/inn.htm.

Natural Gas—Provider: Northwest Natural Gas
Lines and Feed: A range of sizes exists. Please contact Northwest Natural Gas at (503) 226–4211 for more information.

Rate Structure: Residential rate is $.87016 per therm. Industrial and commercial rates vary. Please contact Northwest Natural Gas at (503) 226–4211 for more information. Source: NW Natural, 2003.

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:


Electrical—Provider: Portland General Electric (PGE)
Lines and Feed: Power is transmitted to the area through 230kV transmission lines, where the voltage is stepped down to 115kV (and in some cases 57kV) for power transmission to distribution substations throughout the region. At each distribution substation, the voltage is further stepped down to 13kV for distribution through neighborhoods to homes and businesses. Customers can elect to choose the voltage at which they receive electric power service. Most homes and smaller businesses choose 120V/480V. Larger businesses can receive power at either 13kV or 115kV, and use their own transformers and other equipment to step down the voltage to meet their specific requirements. For businesses with power-sensitive and high-reliability needs, special site-specific arrangements may be made, such as alternative service and backup generators.

Rate Structure Residential rate (PGE Schedule 7): $10 Basic Charge for single phase service and $16 for three phase service, plus 5.918 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the first 250 kWh and 7.029 cents for all additional kWh above 250 kWh, plus 3 percent public purpose charge and 38 cents per bill for low-income bill payment assistance.

Small nonresidential rate (PGE Schedule 32 or less than 30 kW): $10 Basic Charge for single phase service and $16 for three phase service, plus 7.547 cents per kWh for the first 5,000 kWh and 5.461 cents per kWh for all additional kWh above 5,000 kWh. This includes 0.038 cents per kWh for the low-income bill payment assistance program, which is not subject to the 3 percent public purpose charge.

Large nonresidential and industrial rate: These customers can choose their energy supplier. They are able to choose from a range of energy supply plans from their utility (daily, monthly, quarterly or annual pricing), or secure a negotiated arrangement with an Energy Service Supplier (ESS). In all instances, power distribution to the customer site remains a regulated utility activity.

For additional information, visit http://www.portlandgeneral.com/ or call PGE Customer Service 1-800-542-8818.
Source: PGE, 2003.


Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:

Solid Waste Management: USA Waste of Oregon

Permit Status: Current

Utility Expansion Plans:

Utilities Source: City Administration; PGE information supplied by PGE. Note: We update utility rates periodically. Actual rates may change more often than that. For the most current rate for any carrier please consult the Public Utilities Commission web site at http://www.puc.state.or.us/commsion/default.htm Click on the Statistics 200x label (x being the most recent year).

Transportation

Highways Hwy 47 N/S route, local access   Transportation Access Fee: $0

Community Air Service No		If no local service, list closest Air Facility
Air Passenger Service: No
Airport Freight Service: No		Portland International Airport, 24.5 miles
Air Service Comments:

Rail Service: No 
Freight Service: No    Passenger Service: No
If no local service, list closest Rail Service:

Marine No



Transportation issues which might confront development, such as non-attainment air shed, etc.:

Public Transportation Comment:

Bus Service Available in the Community: No 
Scheduled Bus Service Available: No    Buses Per Day:
Local Charter Services: No U-Shuttle - a local service will take people to the nearest bus stop or max line.
Distance to Nearest Bus Service: 6 miles

Trucking Service
Scheduled Freight Carrier Services: No  
Overnight Express Parcel Service Available: Yes UPS and FedEX
Overnight Express Mail Service Available: Yes
Transportation Comments:

For more information relating to transportation topics please visit the Department of Transportation web site. Airports (maps and general information) http://www.tripcheck.com/About/airport.htm; Bicycle and Pedestrian Route information http://www.tripcheck.com/About/bicycle.htm; Public Transportation, bus and rail http://www.tripcheck.com/About/busrail.htm.

Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce (proprietary information)