RIVERGROVE

Community Concerns

Letters from the Secretary of State

The following memos between the City of Rivergrove and the Secretary of State Audits Division introduce a concern as to the City of Rivergrove’s ability to manage additional public funds associated with a new tax levy.

19 Apr 2021 – Memo identifying issues in Rivergrove’s 7/1/2019 to 6/30/2020 In Lieu of Audit Report.
21 Mar 2022 – Memo identifying issues in Rivergrove’s 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021 In Lieu of Audit Report.
4 Nov 2022 – Memo identifying issues in Rivergrove’s 7/1/2021 to 6/30/2022 In Lieu of Audit Report.
25 Mar 2023 – Memo identifying issues in Rivergrove’s 7/1/2022 to 6/30/2023 In Lieu of Audit Report.
18 Feb 2025 – Memo identifying issues in Rivergrove’s 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 In Lieu of Audit Report.
14 Nov 2025 – Memo from Steve Bergmann of the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office to Rivergrove Mayor Barhyte, arguing against Mayor Barhyte’s effort to invalidate Rivergrove Citizens petition and justifying an audit of Rivergrove financial records.
2 Feb 2026 – Memo from Amy John of the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, following up on Rivergrove’s failure to comply with deadline in providing a signed contract.
11 Feb 2026 – Memo from Steve Bergmann of the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, following up on Amy John’s 2/2/2026 memo and Rivergrove’s failure to comply with deadline in providing a signed contract.

Rivergrove Report

We have not received a “Rivergrove Report” from the City Council for over three years. This has resulted in a significant lack of information to homeowners as to any of the City’s plans, finances, and/or actions.

As mentioned on the City of Rivergrove website: “Our monthly newsletter is filled with information that affects you and your home. If you haven’t yet received it, sign up at the bottom of this page.”

City Managers

There have been four city managers in the past three years and a noticeable absence of issue resolution management:

21 Feb 2023 – Heather Kibbey Resigns
13 Mar 2023 – June Carlson Appointed by Mayor without Consent of Council
13 Apr 2023 – June Carlson Resigns
8 May 2023 – Lisa Merlo-Flores Appointed by Mayor without Consent of Council
14 Aug 2023 – Lisa Merlo-Flores Resigns
11 Sep 2023 – Analeis Weidlich Appointed by Mayor without Consent of Council

Additional Actions

In the meantime, the City Council has acted as follows without notice or review to or by the community:

It passed substantial development fee increases — some over 500%, with no notice or review.
It changed the City Land Development Code without following the required process.
It passed the current budget with a negative general fund ending balance, leaving the city without assets next year.
It spent $82,000 of grant money awarded to the community (Coronavirus Relief) for projects that were not reviewed or approved by the community. See document outlining Original Community Supported Projects.
It started a project without the proper federal, state, and local permits at the Stark Boat ramp, thereby impacting natural areas and structural support of adjacent properties. It is spending another $30,000 without community review or input.
$30,000 was paid for a Lloyd Minor Park project without required bids (3) and not all paid work was done.