COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Program

The COVID-19 Mortgage Relief program is now open to assist Oregonians who have fallen behind on their mortgage during the pandemic. Income-qualified homeowners who came past due on their first-lien mortgage after January 1, 2020 and have experienced a financial hardship may qualify for assistance. Homeowners should visit The Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative to learn whether they qualify and how to apply. 

COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium

On August 31, 2020 Governor Brown issued Executive Order No. 20-37 extending protections from foreclosure for Oregon homeowners and business owners until December 31, 2020. 

On September 28, 2020 Governor Brown issued Executive Order No. 20-56 establishing a new statewide moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment and other no-cause evictions between September 30 and December 31, 2020. Landlords cannot evict tenants for nonpayment during this time. The order also prevents landlords from using most no-cause notices until the end of the moratorium. Landlords cannot charge late fees or other charges based on nonpayment of rent between April 1 and December 31, 2020 and cannot report nonpayment of rent or fees to credit agencies. Landlords also cannot give notices of termination without cause (unless the landlord has sold the property or intends to move into the property), or file for an eviction based termination without cause between April 1 and December 31, 2020. The grace period for repayment established in HB 4213 still applies. Tenants have a grace period (until March 31, 2021) to pay back rent that came due between April 1 and September 30, 2020. The grace period does not apply to rent that came due between October 1 and December 31, 2020.

Additional guidance and resources for tenants are available through the Oregon Law Center.  

Oregon Rent Relief Due to COVID-19

The State of Oregon has put together an $8.5 million Coronavirus relief package to help tenants pay rent during the pandemic. The money has been divided between 18 local agencies who are tasked with distributing funds to renters, who under the statewide eviction moratorium can delay rent but have to pay it back once the moratorium ends. 

Anyone who makes up to 80% of the area median income can apply for rent relief. Applications will be prioritized based on need, and those who’ve been financially impacted by the pandemic will be highest on the list. Renters will need to show proof of income loss. The money is meant to address some of the backlog of rent payments. Tenants whose applications are accepted should see the money go straight from the agency to their landlord. 

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) is distributing the funds for Marion and Polk counties. If you need assistance with rent or utilities, please call: 

• For utility bill assistance, call Energy Services at: 503-588-9016.
• For rental assistance, visit MWVCAA's COVID-19 Rent Relief webpage for eligibility, needed documentation, and an online application. You can also call 503-399-9080 (ext. 4003) or email covid.rentrelief@mwvcaa.org to complete an assessment.  

City of Silverton Declares a State of Emergency

On March 23, 2020 Mayor Kyle Palmer declared a state of emergency pursuant to Chapter 2.44 of the Silverton Municipal Code. This declaration allows the City additional flexibility in terms of limiting access to public buildings, directing City staff, and delegating resources as well as acquiring needed resources related to health and safety. Under this order the City has done the following:

• Enacted a temporary policy beginning March 27, 2020 the City will not disconnect services for non-payment of utility bills. The City will begin charging late fees, monthly interest charges, and administrative fees for delinquent accounts on July 15, 2020. 
• Temporarily closed all City facilities to the public per Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-12.  City Hall limited opening begins July 7, 2020, see details here.
• On July 6, 2020 City Council approved an order requiring face coverings in City owned buildings. 
• Cancelled all non-essential public meetings.

How to Access City Services

Please see the COVID-19 latest updates for details on City Hall limited reopening as of July 7. City services will continue to be accessible online and by phone. All staff contacts are accessible through the online staff directory. 

Utility Billing and Court

• Payments can be made online: www.xpressbillpay.com.
• Mail check payments to: 306 S. Water Street, Silverton, OR 97381 or a drop box is located as you exit the City Hall parking lot.
• Questions: 503-873-5321 (option 1) or finance@silverton.or.us.

Building

• Inspection scheduling, inspection results, and tracking the progress of submitted applications may be done online through the Silverton Permit Portal at www.silverton.or.us/367/Search-Permit-Records.
• Inspections may also be scheduled by phone at 503-874-2208.
• Permit applications are available online at https://www.silverton.or.us/94/Permit-Applications-and-Forms and can be emailed to permits@silverton.or.us, placed in the drop box or mailed to: 306 S. Water Street, Silverton, OR 97381.
• Payments can be placed in the drop box or mailed to: 306 S. Water Street, Silverton, OR 97381.
• Questions: 503-874-2207.

Silver Trolley

• The Silver Trolley is limiting operations to Monday, Wednesday, Friday and only transporting symptom-free individuals for essential needs such as non-emergency and non-COVID-19 related doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, trips to do laundry, etc.
• Schedule a trip: 503-873-4546.

Public Works

• For services such as right-of-way permit applications and system development charges: 503-873-8679.
• Water, sewer, traffic and street issues should be directed to the Public Works Maintenance Division: 503-873-6359.
• After hours emergency: 503-991-9795.

Police Department 

• For non-emergencies from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday: 503-873-5326.
• After hours: 503-873-5326 listen to message and press #1 for MetCom Dispatch.
• The Oregon State Police released a FAQ relating to the enforcement of Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-12.

Wave Broadband announced a series of steps to help residential and business customers who’ve been affected directly and indirectly by COVID-19 address expanded internet connectivity needs, as well as mitigate financial hardships. Internet First is an affordable and easy internet option for low-income families who are new customers that live in a Wave service area, for more information visit: www.gowave.com/internet-first.