Washington County News October 2023

October 3, 2023   Development, Public Safety, Washington County Government

Sheriff Garrett announces retirement, recommends Massey as interim

Caprice Massey

[UPDATE October 3]

Acting on their authority under Oregon law and Washington County ordinance, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously today to appoint Undersheriff Caprice Massey as Sheriff, upon the retirement of current Sheriff Pat Garrett.

Garrett is retiring after serving a notable 35-year career with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. In September, Garrett notified the board of his intention to retire on November 30, along with his recommendation that they appoint Massey as his successor. The board met with Garrett and Massey at their work session on September 26 to discuss the proposal and necessary steps to transfer leadership.

In a recent letter to the Washington County Board of Commissioners (BCC), Sheriff Pat Garrett announced his retirement after 12 years leading one of Oregon’s largest law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Garrett expressed his gratitude to the hardworking and professional staff that have played a crucial role in accomplishing public safety goals and earning the community’s confidence. Sheriff Garrett has served our community with dedication and distinction throughout his 35-year career, and his leadership will be deeply missed. Garrett’s father died in June and his mother’s need for care is the reason he expressed for this transition.

Sheriff Garrett took steps to ensure a smooth leadership transition within the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. At the Washington County BCC work session on September 26, Sheriff Garrett recommended that Undersheriff Caprice Massey be appointed as the successor for the remainder of the term. Video of that meeting is here, starting at about 45 minutes:

Garrett was appointed sheriff in 2011, following Rob Gordon’s retirement. Garrett was then elected to the position in 2012, winning again in 2016 and 2020. The permanent position is up for election in the May 21, 2024 primary. Massey has already filed for that seat, according to county filing records.

Boards & Commissions Fall Open House

Thursday, October 19, 6-8 pm, Washington Street Conference Center, 102 SW Washington St., Hillsboro

The Washington County Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (OEICE) will host a Boards and Commissions Open House. The BCC receives input from more than 25 community boards, commissions, advisory councils, and committees that advise them on critical issues. Visit with current members, and learn about what they do, and what’s involved in applying to become a member and serve on County boards and commissions. Everyone is welcome!

SNR: A Focused Look Online Open House

Friday, October 20-Friday, November 10

This project will update the County’s natural resource program including limited updates to the County’s Significant Natural Resources (SNR) inventory maps, policies, and land use development standards.

The Great blue heron is one of Washington County’s largest native birds. Much of its habitat is threatened by development.

This effort was mandated as the result of an order by Oregon’s Land conservation & Development Commission after a member of CPO 5 said that the county’s Ordinance 869, issued in October 2020, failed to provide the “clear and objective” standards required. Read more in the December 2022 article here.

Visit the online open house to learn more and share your thoughts about the Focused Look at Fish and Wildlife Habitat. A link will be provided on the county webpage here on October 20.

In-person SNR Open House

Tuesday, October 24, 3-5 pm for affected property owners; 5-8 pm all interested public welcome, Washington Street Conference Center, Ground Floor, 102 SW Washington St.

Join us to learn more about Washington County’s work to map locations of significant natural resources and to make standards for both development and preservation more clear. Share your comments and ask questions.

TVWD rate increase

The Tualatin Valley Water District board voted to establish new rates during its September 20 meeting. The changes involve increases to both usage rates and fixed rates, which will come in two adjustments: one effective November 1, 2023, and the other November 1, 2024. The first rate adjustment would increase the average single-family water bill by $15.53 per month, and the second would see an increase of an additional $15.04, according to the water district according to a report in the Beaverton Valley Times. A major component of the 2023-25 budget is allocated to funding the Willamette Water Supply System—a joint venture involving the cities of Beaverton and Hillsboro, as well as TVWD. TVWD visited CPO 1 in September and discussed the project. The meeting was recorded and available on our YouTube channel here.

Development Forum

Thursday, October 12, 8:30-10 am, Public Services Building Conference Room 120D, 155 N. First Ave., Register here

Washington County Land Use and Transportation invites interested parties to attend this meeting to learn more about the development process in the county. “The twice-yearly Development Forums create opportunities for our building and development industry customers to learn more about our development-related services, initiatives, and processing timelines. They also provide participants the chance to network and provide us with valuable feedback on our services.” Topics for this session include building trends; the development review process; grading permit process, and the SNR and LCDC Enforcement Order and how that affects development.

Anderson replaces Carr as County Counsel

Former Senior Assistant County Counsel Brad Anderson has been chosen to serve as County Counsel for Washington County, following the retirement of Tom Carr on September 1. During the nationwide search that resulted in Carr’s appointment in 2021, Anderson was a top finalist. Based on his ranking in the previous search, along with his extensive legal expertise and 17-year tenure with the organization, the Board of County Commissioners agreed unanimously to the appointment.

The Office of County Counsel provides legal advice to the Washington County government and affiliated agencies. The office represents the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrative Office, all county departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, along with the Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, Service District for Lighting and Cooperative Library Services. The office is supported by an annual budget of $4.4 million and is staffed by 16 full-time-equivalent positions.