Clean Water Services freezes headcount to contain costs, advances Tualatin water reuse talks

Clean Water Services freezes headcount to contain costs, advances Tualatin water reuse talksThe Oregon utility will add no new full-time equivalent positions next fiscal year, focusing instead on internal reallocation to manage operational costs while pursuing regional recycled water infrastructure.

CWS will add zero new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions next fiscal year, leaving some roles unfunded and reallocating others to core functions.

Utility leadership recently presented rate updates to the Tualatin City Council, sparking dialogue on future "purple pipe" recycled water partnerships.

The utility is advancing the regulatory transfer of its captive insurance company from Hawaii to Arizona.

Clean Water Services (CWS) in Beaverton, Oregon, is tightening its operational expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year, confirming it will not add any new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to its roster. During an April 14 work session, staff member Mr. Shanley detailed the utility's fiscal discipline strategy. To contain costs, CWS will reallocate existing positions to cover core functions while intentionally leaving some roles unfunded. The proposed budget, which focuses heavily on core business operations and cost-effective innovation, was scheduled for delivery to the Budget Committee later in the week. Despite the internal hiring freeze, CWS is actively pursuing external infrastructure partnerships. Utility leadership recently presented a rate update to the Tualatin City Council, prompting discussions regarding potential "purple pipe" recycled water projects. According to staff, Tualatin officials expressed interest in collaborating on recycled water initiatives and watershed health promotion, signaling potential future investments in regional water reuse infrastructure. These operational and strategic developments coincide with a leadership transition at the utility, as the board prepares to officially hand over operations to incoming General Manager Raheem. Separately, CWS is finalizing the re-domiciliation of its captive insurance entity, the Clean Water Insurance Company (CWIC), from Hawaii to Arizona. Risk Manager Lori Olson confirmed the utility has received its certificate of transfer from Hawaii and submitted the necessary applications to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. The administrative transfer required CWS to engage new Arizona-based legal counsel, a tax advisor, and a registered agent, while retaining Marsh as its captive manager and actuary.