Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Extension Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
OSU Extension seeks property-tax service district on May 2027 ballot in Washington County
Summary
Angela Sandino, regional director for OSU Extension, told the Washington County Fair Board a proposed property-tax service district would ask voters to approve up to 5¢ per $1,000 of assessed value phased in over five years; 1¢ is estimated to raise about $900,000 and the measure is being targeted for the May 2027 ballot.
Angela Sandino, regional director for OSU Extension, told the Washington County Fair Board on May 6 that Extension staff are proposing a property-tax service district to provide stable local funding for Extension programming.
"We're looking at 5¢ for every $1,000 of assessed value to Washington County voters," Sandino said, adding that on an average $400,000 home that would amount to about $30 a year. She said the district could be phased in — taking 1¢ in year one (about $900,000 in valuation), then increasing to 2¢ in year two and so on until a 5¢ cap — and that the district would free county general-fund support to be used elsewhere.
Sandino told the board that the county commissioners have been receptive to the idea following presentations in February and April, and that staff are aiming to place the measure on the May 2027 ballot. She described two uses for the revenue: supporting a larger operating budget (Sandino estimated roughly $900,000 would be needed to fully staff operations) and creating a capital savings account for facilities improvements. "We would put the additional money in a savings account," she said, citing Clackamas County as an example where a long-running district has accumulated a substantial capital fund.
Board members asked about investment strategy and whether the plan would protect principal. Sandino said details are still under discussion and that the draft approach could preserve principal while using interest for projects; she estimated that under one scenario the county could save roughly $12,000,000 over 10 years if higher rates were collected and surplus set aside for capital work.
No board action was taken at the meeting; Sandino said the district proposal is in the planning stage and that more detailed ballot language and budget materials will be provided as staff continue to refine the plan and consult county officials.
What happens next: Extension staff will continue outreach with county leaders and return with refined budget and ballot language for stakeholder and board review ahead of the May 2027 target date.
