NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF BALLOT TITLE

Notice is hereby given that a ballot title for an referendum petition has been filed with the Elections Office of the City of Portland on September 20, 2012.

An elector may file a petition for review of this ballot title in the Multnomah County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 P.M., October 1st, 2012.

The ballot title is as follows:

CAPTION:

Fluoridation of Portland drinking water supply (6)

QUESTION:

Shall Portland fluoridate its drinking water supply? (7)

SUMMARY:

Portland supplies drinking water to city residents and businesses and to several other municipalities and water districts outside Portland. Portland currently does not add fluoride to its drinking water supply. 

This measure requires Portland to fluoridate Portland’s drinking water supply.  The measure requires fluoridation at levels intended to reduce tooth decay and promote oral health, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Oregon Health Authority.  The measure is a referral of an Ordinance adopted by the Council.  Although the Ordinance requires fluoridation of Portland’s drinking water supply by March 1, 2014, the actual date of implementation of fluoridation will depend on the effective date of this measure. The fluoride must meet standards of the American Water Works Association.  The measure requires record-keeping related to quantities of water treated and the type and amounts of fluoride used. The measure also requires the City to conduct tests for fluoride in treated and untreated water in accordance with state and federal recommendations.

The measure funds fluoridation through water user fees.  (173)