Washington County unveils proposed $2 billion budget, cuts transfers and eyes levies for public safety and libraries

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — Washington County officials on Monday outlined a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget that totals roughly $2 billion and would narrow a projected general‑fund shortfall by cutting transfers and program spending while asking voters to consider two levies in November.

County Administrator and budget officer Tanya Angie presented the proposed budget at a Board of Commissioners town hall on May 12. Angie said an early general‑fund forecast showed “a $20,500,000 gap between revenues and expenditures,” and that staff used reductions and one‑time resources to bring the proposed budget into balance. “At the end of the day, the math has to be correct. 2 plus 2 has to equal 4,” Angie said.

The proposed budget breaks the county’s total into special funds and the general fund; special funds are restricted and make up the bulk of the plan, while the general fund — which supports elections, the county jail and other countywide services — accounts for a smaller share. Angie said special funds represent about 84% of the total and the general fund about 16%.

Why it matters: the plan would change funding levels for county services that residents use daily — from road and library support to public safety and human services — and would put two local levies before voters if the board moves them to the ballot. The levies and the cuts are the county’s primary tools to close structural revenue…