Oregon On The Bay

General Overview
Oregon, the second largest city in Lucas County, is a thriving community of 20,000. It was incorporated as a city on December 23, 1959.The city occupies approximately 27 square miles and is proud of its outstanding school system, excellent medical services and the lowest property tax rates in Lucas County. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Oregon is a busy shipping port, handling cargo on its way through the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. Oregon's cost of living is 14.57% lower than the U.S. average.

History
The town was named Oregon by a nephew of John Jacob Astor who was representing his uncle's fur trading interests in the Maumee River Valley. Oregon Township was formed in 1838; the city today occupies the same boundaries that were set in that year.

With the entry of the railroad and the opening of the port of Toledo in the 1800s and 1900s, the city began to grow as an industrial center. Pipelines were laid to carry petroleum products to and from the port facilities and other regions. During the same period, commercial and residential growth also expanded.

The City of Oregon ratified its charter in 1958, adopting as its slogan, "City of Opportunity." In the mid 1980s, the name of the city was expanded to "Oregon on the Bay."

Government Services
The city is governed by a mayor who serves a four year term and seven council members who are elected at-large for two year terms.

The Oregon Fire Department comprises one hundred volunteer part-time firefighters who are led by a full-time chief, a full-time assistant fire chief, and three part-time district chiefs. The city has mutual aid pacts with all Lucas County and Ottawa County Fire Departments.

The Oregon Police Division employs 47 sworn officers and 14 civilian employees and maintains investigations, vice/narcotics and juvenile bureaus as well as a special response team.

Tax Rates
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2000: 1.2% ($1,424)

Employment
The majority of jobs in the Oregon area are in construction, transportation equipment, metal products, refineries, paper products, health care and educational services.

Some of the area's largest employers include
British Petroleum
Fresenius Medical Facility
Caraustar Recycling

Recreation
Oregon by the Bay is home to numerous parks with a wide variety of facilities. Pearson Metropark has 320 acres for biking, a nature center, fishing, picnicking, and paddle boating. Maumee Bay State Park, which borders Lake Erie, offers an 18-hole golf course, lodge and conference center, cabins, campgrounds, an inland lake, tennis courts, a sledding hill and amphitheater. South Shore Park has a sledding hill, picnic area and fitness trail while the Coontz Recreational Complex has eight lighted ball fields.

Community Organizations
V F W Post 9816, American Legion - Post No 537, Rotary, Oregon Chamber of Commerce, James W. Hancock Senior Center, Boy Scouts: Erie Valley Council: Commodore Perry District; Girl Scouts: Maumee Valley Council