Washington County Board of Commissioners AM Work Session, part 2, 10/06/26 (Part 2)

At the October 6, 2026 Washington County Board of Commissioners work session, staff and Sheriff Caprice Massie presented first-round polling and development plans for a replacement Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD) levy, proposed for the May 18, 2027 ballot. The survey of 400 likely ESPD voters tested a levy of 99 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for five years, 2029–2033, described as a 16-cent-per-$1,000 increase over the current rate. Initial support was 41% in favor and 49% opposed; after respondents received additional information, support rose to 46% and opposition fell to 43%. The polling found the strongest support for services addressing child abuse, mental-health crisis response, and trauma-informed responses to domestic violence. The lowest tested rate was comparatively strongest, while support remained below 50%. The levy currently supports approximately 145 personnel.

Commissioners discussed voter concerns about affordability and tax increases, how levy funding levels would affect service delivery, and the need to explain services such as drone first response and the real-time crime response center. Staff said a second survey round is planned for November and outlined further board updates and consideration of ballot materials in December, with a goal of filing the measure by the board’s final meeting of the year. No procurement actions, contract awards, or purchasing decisions were identified. The board also announced an executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(f).