Washington County residents will pay updated permit and service fees starting this fiscal year after the Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the FY 2026-27 fee schedule at its July 21 meeting in Hillsboro.

The vote was one of several actions the four-member board completed in just 42 minutes at the Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building. Commissioner Pam Treece was excused absent.

What drew the most discussion wasn't the fees themselves. After the 4-0 vote on the fee schedule (RO 26-79), Chair Kathryn Harrington, participating remotely, told the board it should declare conflicts of interest in line with updated Ethics Commission guidance. She then declared an actual conflict. Commissioners Jerry Willey, Jason Snider, and Nafisa Fai followed suit.

Snider asked at the July 21 meeting whether commissioners would need to make such declarations for every item or service they vote on. Interim County Counsel Cortney Duke-Driessen said she would provide follow-up guidance on the scope of the new requirement.

The board also adopted Ordinance No. 916, amending Washington County Code Chapter 2.32, which governs county personnel rules. Assistant County Administrator Erin Calvert presented the changes.

The ordinance had its first reading at the July 7 meeting. Sara Genta was the sole member of the public to testify during the ordinance hearing, asking for clarification on the conflict-of-interest process.

The board approved 11 consent items on a single 4-0 vote, including:

  • A contract for family navigator services for youth in the juvenile justice system (MO 26-183)
  • An amendment adding funds to an intergovernmental agreement with Multnomah County for homeless services (MO 26-186)
  • A new lease for the Watermaster office at 1400 SW Walnut Street, Hillsboro (MO 26-185)
  • Adoption of three administrative policies covering accounting, revenues, and expenditures (RO 26-76, RO 26-78, RO 26-80)
  • An amendment to the FY 2026-27 pay plan and position and salary report (RO 26-77)

Other actions

The board appointed Boris Alexeev, Lora Dexheimer, and Brandy Penner to the Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council, with terms running through June 30, 2029.

Commissioners also proclaimed July 19–25, 2026 as Community Corrections and Juvenile Justice Community Supervision Week. Acting Community Corrections Director Kaylynn Berrios and Juvenile Services Director Jennifer Cearley presented.

Commissioners Willey and Snider said they planned to attend the associated barbecue.

What it means for Bethany-area residents

The fee schedule covers permits and services across county departments. The board had previously adopted the FY 2026-27 budgets on June 16, including the North Bethany County Service District for Roads ($11.4 million, funded at $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed value) and the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District ($60.1 million at $0.6365 per $1,000 permanent plus $0.8300 per $1,000 local option levy), which provides patrol services to Bethany, Cedar Mill, Oak Hills, and West Haven-Sylvan.

No members of the public testified on the fee schedule.

Per the county's standard meeting schedule, the board's next regular session is Tuesday, August 4 at 10 a.m. at the Cameron Public Services Building, 155 N. First Ave., Hillsboro. Meetings are hybrid and streamed on the county's YouTube channel.