Public Safety at Risk as Washington County Voters Face $337 Million Levy Decision

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — The surge in popularity of Washington County has increased the need for expanded public safety services, and County officials are now appealing to its 611,272 residents to support the introduction of a levy that will inject an additional $337 million over the next five years.

More than 200,000 new residents have flocked to Washington county since 1999, raising the population and increasing public safety needs, especially in cities like Beaverton, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Sherwood.

The influx of new blood into the county has seen businesses flourish and communities thrive.

Levy Will Help Finance Additional Law Enforcement Officers

The proposed levy will assist county officials to keep pace with local needs by funding public services such as mental health and domestic violence resources, as well as swelling the ranks of its police forces, jail deputies, and prosecutors.

The levy will cost homeowners about $20 extra a month on properties valued at $300,000. The levy will replace a similar existing levy, which has been payable since 2000. Homeowners will pay 0.66 cents per $1,000 on property valued at $300,000, amounting to about $72 annually.

County officials say that unless the levy is introduced, services such as the mental health response team, police detectives, and jail deputies who provide security at county jails and courtrooms will be in jeopardy.

The current levy finances 16% of the county’s public safety budget, but it expires in June 2026 and must be replaced if public safety services are to continue.

Residents will be asked to vote on the November 4,2025, ballot.