County Administrative Office News

Several county offices and programs will return to allowing face-to-face visits this week, but public health requirements will be in effect and remote access to services is still encouraged.

Washington County Board Chair Kathryn Harrington has issued a statement regarding both County-sponsored levies on the ballot, as well as the Metro-wide Supportive Housing Services levy.

Following a nationwide search, John Wheeler has been appointed to serve as Washington County’s Emergency Management manager and is currently helping to lead the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington County’s proposed $1.4 billion total budget supports continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and strategic investments in equity, economic development, affordable housing and transportation.

Help is available to companies and organizations facing hardship due to response to the new coronavirus.

Washington County is working with state and local partners to ensure housing security for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Except under specific circumstances, Washington County is requesting that the public avoid visiting any county building during the organization’s emergency response to the new coronavirus.

The Board of Commissioners voted to extend the county’s prior emergency declaration until April 2 and Chair Kathryn Harrington has canceled the annual State of the County address and the first of four town hall meetings scheduled for 2020.

The declaration will help the county’s Public Health Division to limit the spread of novel coronavirus.

A public forum has been scheduled in Washington County to discuss a regional approach to fund permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals.