Washington County commissioners voted 3-1 on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to advance an ordinance that would amend the countywide vehicle registration fee, setting up a public hearing on Aug. 25 where residents can weigh in.
Commissioners Pam Treece, Jason Snider and Jerry Willey voted yes on Ordinance 917. Commissioner Nafisa Fai voted no. Chair Kathryn Harrington abstained. All five commissioners declared an actual conflict of interest because they and their families own vehicles subject to the fee.
The specific fee change proposed in the ordinance was not detailed in meeting records. Because the vote was not unanimous, Interim County Counsel Cortney Duke-Driessen was required under the Washington County Charter to read the ordinance in full at the meeting.
Beaverton shelter lease approved
Also on the consent agenda, commissioners unanimously approved a new lease for a non-congregate shelter at 3390 SW 209th Ave. in Beaverton (MO 26-199). The lease is between the Housing Authority of Washington County and the Department of Housing Services Homeless Services Division. Washington County now operates more than 430 shelter beds countywide, funded primarily through the voter-approved Supportive Housing Services measure, according to the county's housing page.
Specific lease terms, including duration and rent, were not detailed in meeting records.
Walker Road waterline agreement
Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with Tualatin Valley Water District for waterline improvements tied to the Walker Road Phase 3 project (MO 26-202). The $28.5 million road project connects Hillsboro and Beaverton along Walker Road between 173rd and 185th avenues.
Walker Road is closed between 174th Terrace and Cambray Street through Dec. 1 for culvert replacement at Willow Creek. Drivers should use Cornell Road as a detour; cyclists can use Autumn Ridge Drive.
Other actions
Beyond the Lam Research $1.7 billion tax agreement approved 5-0 the same day, the consent agenda included agreements with consortium cities for federal CDBG and HOME funds, an IGA with Multnomah County for health officer services, authorization to buy property at 31345 NW Beach Road in Hillsboro, server storage procurement and authorization for the CFO to issue debt for property at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway.
Commissioners also proclaimed the fourth week of August 2026 as "Community Health Worker Awareness and Appreciation Week."
The public hearing on the vehicle registration fee ordinance is Aug. 25 at the Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building, 155 N. First Ave., Hillsboro.
