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At this time, the only other possible County funding source for these work groups is the Washington County General Fund. Unfortunately, limited revenues for the County General Fund are not meeting expenses. For FY 2023‐24, the shortfall between projected revenues and anticipated expenditures in the General Fund is 7.1% or $25.3 million. All work groups receiving General Fund dollars are being asked to cut expenses.
In other words, General Fund support for Building Services and Current Planning is not an option.
Many pre-1940s neighborhoods have both single-detached homes and middle housing. This created housing options right around the corner as people’s household size or needs changed.
But as time when on, entire neighborhoods of single-detached homes became more the norm, and middle housing options decreased. This made living in many neighborhoods unaffordable or inconvenient.
Jail facilities and systems are not designed or staffed to provide the type of care needed by these individuals. Also, according to mental health experts, staying in the jail could cause their condition to deteriorate. Even if the Washington County Jail were an appropriate place, funding would be needed for more staff, including deputies and mental health care providers.
Additionally, the Washington County Jail is operating at reduced capacity due to staffing shortages. To make room for people returned from the Oregon State Hospital, some other people in custody who are awaiting trial may have to be released early. These “forced releases” could put community safety at risk. It is also possible that some of those released early would not show up for future court proceedings.
We anticipate a significant increase in building permits as people will want to get applications in prior to the July 1 fee increase. That increase is likely to create a backlog that may extend beyond July 1. As a result, one of our next priorities will be developing staffing and workflow strategies to manage and mitigate this backlog as much as possible.
Other areas of focus:
Continuous process and workflow improvements
Development of draft technology fee proposal to start in FY 2024-25
Development of draft policies for annual fee indexing to start in FY 2024-25
Develop list of key services and target review/response times
Ongoing stakeholder outreach and communication
LUT began work on a comprehensive update of the county’s provisions to protect natural resources under Goal 5 starting in January 2023. This work includes:
Code changes are expected to go before the Washington County Board Commissioners by fall 2024. Visit Significant Natural Resources for more information, including comment opportunities.
The court will carefully weigh all factors, including available treatment or restoration options. The Mosman order makes clear that returning defendants may not be sent back to the Oregon State Hospital, except for very limited circumstances. Depending on a defendant’s individual case, the judge could decide to send a defendant to a secure residential treatment facility or the Washington County Jail to receive restoration services. Also, if the District Attorney believes that the person meets the criteria of an “extremely dangerous person,” they can file a petition with the court for civil commitment as an Extremely Dangerous Person.
Land development and construction without required permits is a violation of both the CDC and the Building Code. Proper permitting ensures public health and safety is maintained. Building plan submittal and the issuance of required permits will be retroactively required as applicable. Contact Building Services for specific permitting requirements or [email protected] to report unpermitted work.
The criminal justice and behavioral health systems can sometimes overlap. Washington County staff from various departments and programs have worked together for years to maintain the balance between equal justice and community safety. Over the past few years, several procedures have been created to minimize local jail time for aid and assist defendants and maximize public safety:
Some properties are subject to regulations specific to natural resources and flood plain enhancement and protection. Regulations apply for developments proposed on properties subject to the 100-year Floodplain Overlay, Drainage Hazard Area Overlay and Significant Natural Resource Overlay. Email [email protected] to determine if any overlays are applicable.
Middle housing allows options for people in different life stages who may prefer a home other than a traditional single-detached house.
