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Caprice Massey sworn in as Washington County sheriff; commissioners outline housing, levy and courthouse priorities
Summary
At a swearing-in ceremony, Caprice Massey took the oath as Washington County sheriff. County commissioners used the event to highlight priorities including homelessness response, upcoming levies for libraries and public safety, courthouse planning and workforce needs for county services.
Caprice Massey was sworn in as Washington County sheriff and pledged to uphold the U.S. and Oregon constitutions and the county charter, officials said during a swearing-in ceremony that included remarks from county commissioners and other elected leaders.
The ceremony included sustained remarks from newly seated and returning county commissioners about county priorities. Commissioners emphasized homelessness and housing interventions, the upcoming county levies for the cooperative library system and public safety, workforce stability for county services, and efforts to secure a state match to plan a new county courthouse.
“I, Caprice Massey, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Oregon … and the charter of Washington County,” Massey recited during the oath. In brief remarks after the oath, Massey thanked family, former Sheriff Pat Garrett and county staff, and said her career and personal experiences informed her commitment to public safety and service.
Commissioners used their remarks to outline near-term agenda items and budget priorities. One commissioner thanked voters in District 3 for backing their election—saying 81% of voters supported them in May—and said the county will face a demanding budget process and must prioritize supportive housing, clean water services, governance and public safety funding.
Commissioners pointed to past and ongoing housing efforts, saying the county has converted existing properties into housing for vulnerable residents and has worked to reduce homeless encampments. They framed future work around prevention and early intervention, and said local investments now could avoid larger costs later.
On county finances, speakers identified two countywide levies expected on an upcoming ballot: a cooperative library levy covering nine cities and nonprofit partners that deliver library services, and a public safety levy. County leaders said they will pursue a state match to local funds to advance planning for a new Washington County courthouse; success of that planning is contingent on receiving state support.
Speakers also noted workforce and capacity issues, including the need to expand jail capacity and stabilize staffing for county services, comments that tied to the broader public-safety and court facility planning discussion. No formal votes or policy decisions were taken during the ceremony; the remarks were ceremonial and intended to outline priorities for the coming term.
The ceremony concluded with remarks of appreciation for county staff and a note that the Board and guests would gather briefly before the 10:00 a.m. Housing Authority Board meeting.
