Solutions Council Special Session October 2, 2026

The Washington County Homeless Solutions Advisory Council held an informational special session on October 2, 2026, to discuss possible uses of year-end fund balance; no vote or spending authorization occurred. Staff said the unusually high balance reflects, in part, about $21 million in late SHS tax payments, of which roughly $7 million is Washington County’s share, and described a desired year-end reserve of $3–5 million. The council discussed potential one-time allocations, including replacing the 60-unit Bridge Shelter, estimated at $12–15 million; staff noted possible $1–2 million from disposition of the existing building and a $3 million federal appropriations request. A separate $10 million contract with Transcending Hope for 39 transitional housing units was cited as context, not as a proposed new award at this meeting.

Other proposals discussed included $600,000 for four healthcare-system navigator positions; $2 million for local-government partnerships; $2.3 million for eviction prevention and housing-liaison support; access-center stabilization; special-population services; a short-term rental-assistance/workforce pilot; provider training; and SHS renewal communications. Many proposals would require RFPs or an RFQ after Board direction, with staff estimating that awards could take until February or March; no vendors were selected. Members emphasized the need to weigh one-time spending against ongoing operating costs, service capacity, and the timing and uncertainty of the shelter replacement. The council planned to circulate another prioritization poll and bring a proposed slate to its October meeting for discussion and a vote before Board consideration.