Chair Harrington issues levy results statement

Unofficial election results indicate passage of both the Public Safety and Library levies in Washington County. Board Chair Kathryn Harrington has issued a statement, thanking voters for the apparent approval of both County-sponsored levies on the ballot, as well as the Metro-wide Supportive Housing Services levy .

“I’m deeply grateful that voters demonstrated their support for both the Public Safety and Library levies. We rely on these critical services that protect public safety and contribute to the educational and cultural fabric of our community.

I’m especially thankful to Lisa Tattersall and her staff at Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS), who provide these important services to our community, as well as our city partners and the network of library supporters throughout the county who provided voter education and outreach on the measure.

Since 1976, public library services in Washington County have been provided through a partnership of the County, nine cities and three nonprofit organizations. The passage of the Library levy will allow us to maintain centralized support for libraries throughout the system.

Regarding the Public Safety Levy, I truly appreciate Sheriff Pat Garrett, District Attorney Kevin Barton, Community Corrections Director Steve Berger and Juvenile Director Lynne Schroeder for the services their departments provide, day-in and day-out, to keep our community safe. Through passage of this levy, we’re also able to continue support for a network of nonprofit partners that provide victims’ assistance and emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners, I wish to thank the voters for their continued support. Our community is better off, thanks to the library and public safety services these property tax levies support.

Finally, at a time when our community is in crisis, it is critical that we come together to support the most vulnerable among us. With your vote on the Metro Measure 26-210, the Here Together Supportive Housing Services levy, that’s exactly what you did. Thank you to the voters of Washington County for stepping up to help us meet the scale and severity of our homeless crisis head on.”

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