Washington County Budget Information Session for Elected Officials - May 11 2026

The Washington County Board of Commissioners held a budget information session on May 11, 2026, to present an overview of the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. The session focused on the county's structural budget challenges, including a chronic gap between general fund revenues and expenditures driven by Oregon's property tax system constraints. The proposed budget incorporates funding from voter-approved local option levies for public safety and libraries, and includes investments in public safety staffing, facility maintenance, and technology upgrades such as the new enterprise resource planning system. The county is also exploring new revenue options, including potential vehicle registration fees, though these are not part of the current budget. The meeting included discussions on service level assessments leading to program reductions or transfers to the state, and emphasized a long-term, data-driven approach to managing aging infrastructure and balancing service demands with limited revenues. Public engagement opportunities and next steps in the budget process were also outlined.