The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a county domestic terrorism prevention plan during its meeting, after supervisors questioned whether the plan would add ongoing operating costs.

Board members asked staff whether adopting the plan would increase the county’s operating budget or require new staff. County staff told the board the plan itself would not add operating costs "at this time," but members were told additional expenses could arise if the plan were activated and sustained in an emergency.

Supervisor Shaw noted the county had spent roughly $172,000 to develop the plan and said that, while the information may be useful, the cost was notable. Another speaker pointed out the plan was required by executive order from the governor and that the grant money used was not local county funds.

The resolution establishing the plan was brought forward as a product of a grant-funded planning process and carried on a voice vote with supporters recorded in favor. The plan, as presented to the board, is intended to provide a framework for coordinated activity if an incident occurs; implementation needs and any sustained resource commitments would be addressed at the time of activation.

The action recorded was adoption of the plan; the meeting record does not show the establishment of new, permanent staffing or a budget line beyond grant-funded development.