Public testimony highlights concerns about probation officers and potential cuts to homeless services

During the public comment period at the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 16 several speakers addressed local justice and homelessness issues.

Addie Smith alleged misconduct and perjury by named probation officers in Multnomah County Justice and Probation; the remarks were delivered as public testimony and Commissioner Singleton invited the speaker to contact her office for follow-up. The board generally does not respond to public testimony during meetings.

Laura Gallino de Lavado, executive director of Northwest Pilot Project, urged the board to pursue greater transparency in the process for rebalancing the Homeless Services Department budget after state funding changes. Gallino said she had heard HSD staff say there could be a potential cut of up to $4,000,000 to existing contractors that provide rapid rehousing and short-term housing supports, and she warned that cutting rapid rehousing could create a backlog of people waiting to move from shelters into permanent housing. She requested that the board consider alternatives to cuts and ask detailed questions when HSD returns with its options.

Multiple other public commenters addressed varied topics; the county chair and staff reiterated that board members typically do not engage during public testimony but offered staff follow-up after the meeting for commenters who requested assistance.