1/2/2026 

Notice 2026 Budget.docx

MEDFORD IRRIGATION DISTRICT
NOTICE OF 2026 BUDGET AND RATE UPDATE

Dear MID Patron,

This notice provides an update and explanation of the Medford Irrigation District’s (MID) 2026 budget. Whether you have been with us for many years or have recently joined the MID family, we sincerely appreciate your continued support.

In 2025, MID established a Budget Committee to review financial needs and provide recommendations regarding rate adjustments required to maintain our irrigation system and infrastructure. The committee’s findings were presented to the Board of Directors. The committee consisted of one Board Member and one patron from each of MID’s five divisions, representing a diverse group of small- and large-acreage landowners with varying needs.

The Board of Directors carefully considered these recommendations. The decision to adjust rates was not made lightly and is necessary to ensure MID can continue providing reliable service. These changes will help retain qualified personnel, maintain equipment and infrastructure in good working condition, and allow MID to adapt to changing political and environmental conditions.

Effective January 1, 2026, the rates will be as follows:

·         $97.00 per acre

·         $179.00 account charge

·         $24.00 special assessment per account (no change)

We understand that rate changes can be challenging and sincerely regret any hardship this may cause. Payment plans are available for patrons on fixed incomes or tight budgets.

MID remains committed to keeping increases as minimal as possible. If you have questions or would like to discuss payment options, please contact our office at (541) 899-9913.

Thank you for your continued support of the Medford Irrigation District. Your patronage is greatly appreciated, and we value the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Medford Irrigation District
Board of Directors and Staff

 

1/3/2024

 

The 2024 Annual Assessments went out yesterday. During the 2023 Budgeting process, the Board of Directors created a plan to deal with increasing costs for irrigation district operations and maintenance as well as covering the administrative cost of servicing patrons. The plan (linked below) was to continue a Per-Acre increase of $2.00 for 2024. The $2.00 Per-Acre increase was not able to cover the cost of inflation, increases to operations & maintenance, and legal expenses to protect our water rights.  

At the 2024 Budget meeting, the Board approved a $24 Special Assessment Per-Parcel for 2024. This Special Assessment created a balanced budget for 2024. The district has projects on the table in 2024 that could provide additional long-term income to the budget that we hope will provide the ability to pull back this special assessment in the future.

The Board of Directors, along with the District Manager, are committed to continuing to work to minimize costs while driving efficiencies in all aspects of the district’s operations, and longer term, to identify funding sources to support the modernization of our canals and infrastructure.  Please note that water conservation projects, such as piping open canals, are primarily funded through state and federal grants and not through patron assessments.