Commissioners pick hybrid format and Elim Young CAT site for April budget information session

Washington County commissioners discussed and gave staff direction on two upcoming budget information sessions intended to brief local elected officials and the public on the county's fiscal priorities.

Staff told the board that an elected-officials session is scheduled for April 23 and a community session for May 12. Commissioners reviewed potential venues (Hillsboro council chambers, the CAT facility at Elim Young, or a purely virtual session) and expressed a preference for a hybrid format that allows both in-person and remote attendance.

"My preference would be the Hillsboro city the center, but as long as we're as long as we have both virtual and whatever. So I'm okay with either one," one commissioner said; another commissioner suggested the CAT facility because it showcases county services and provides hybrid capability. Board members agreed to proceed with the CAT facility at Elim Young for the April 23 session and to clearly state in outreach that the session will not include the proposed budget document (staff plans to publish the budget packet later in the month).

Staff said they will provide an email to commissioners and to mayors describing what will be communicated and will coordinate direct outreach to municipal leaders. The May 12 community session remains scheduled for the auditorium and will run 6 to 7:30 p.m., staff said.

The board did not take a formal vote at the work session but provided direction on format and location.