Board approves letters and creates sheriff finance work group; directs wildfire tax relief resolution

The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 3 unanimously approved several administrative actions and gave staff direction on follow-up work.

The board voted 5-0 to approve a letter of support for a federal BUILD grant application to help complete phase two of the Tomwada Village Restoration Project at Willamette Falls, after a presentation by Tonia Holoweski, director of Public and Government Affairs. Commissioners said the redevelopment is intended to improve public access, economic and workforce opportunities in the region.

Commissioner Diana Helm moved and the board seconded direction for county counsel to collaborate with the assessor to draft a resolution implementing wildfire property tax relief for tax year 2026 and to return to a future business meeting for formal adoption. Counsel said the draft will set eligibility and include notification plans; commissioners requested maps and the underlying calculations before the final vote. The direction passed 5-0.

The board also approved creating an informal sheriff's office finance work group to improve shared understanding of CCSO revenues and expenditures. The administrator described a proposed membership mix (two sheriff's office designees, two POA representatives, two Budget Committee members, two BCC members and two county finance staff); commissioners amended the selection to add a FAPO and an EA representative and directed staff to return with the membership list for final approval. That motion passed 5-0.

Finally, the board appointed Commissioner Diana Helm as Clackamas County's representative to the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) audit committee; the motion passed 5-0.

Votes at a glance

- Letter of support for Tomwada Village BUILD grant — Motion: approve support letter as presented. Outcome: approved 5-0. - Wildfire property tax relief — Motion: direct counsel to draft resolution for tax year 2026 and return for approval. Outcome: approved 5-0 (direction to draft; formal adoption to follow). - Sheriff's office finance work group — Motion: approve scope, selection process and timing; add FAPO and EA members; direct administrator to return with membership list. Outcome: approved 5-0. - Appointment to AOC audit committee — Motion: appoint Commissioner Helm as county representative. Outcome: approved 5-0.

What happens next

Staff will draft the wildfire relief resolution and return with policy and notification details. The administrator will convene the sheriff finance work group and return to the board with the membership list. Staff also said they will prepare any documents required to support the BUILD grant application for Tomwada Village.