Thank you to everyone who participated in the May election. Whether you voted yes or no on Measure 34-349, I appreciate the time residents took to learn about the issue, ask questions, attend open houses, submit comments, and make their voices heard.
The measure did not pass, and the city will take that result seriously. While the facility challenges facing our police, public works, and emergency operations remain, any future path must be shaped by community feedback, financial realities, and a clear understanding of what residents are willing to support. The next step is to listen carefully, reassess what is most urgent, and consider what options may be available going forward.
Tigard is also facing a difficult budget year. The budget presented to the Budget Committee was proposed by city leadership to reflect the city’s operational needs and core services while responding to a projected General Fund shortfall of more than $6 million. The Budget Committee has now approved a budget for Council adoption, and I want to thank everyone who provided public comments. Most of the comments we received were focused on library funding and I want to expand on that conversation.
The Budget Committee’s approved budget would preserve current library hours and avoid cuts to currently filled permanent positions, including funds for two library positions related to adult and youth services. The Washington County Cooperative Library Services levy approved by voters last year will help fund shared countywide services, including book sorting, delivery, and other support, allowing the city to leave two vacant library positions unfunded in the approved budget. The approved budget also does not renew the limited duration library social services coordinator position, though council members have expressed interest in exploring regional funding partnerships to help address growing social service needs across the community.
The Budget Committee chose to use funding made available through the payoff of the parks bond to help close the projected $1.1 million gap needed to maintain current park maintenance service levels. Given the size of the shortfall, maintaining core parks services was a key priority as the committee worked through difficult budget decisions and trade-offs.
When the City Council considers the approved budget for adoption on June 9, we must stay focused on core services, long-term financial stability, and transparent decision-making. Later this summer, we have plans for broader conversations about police, public works, library services, service levels, and long-term funding. The community deserves a clear understanding of what services the city is trying to provide, what those services cost, and how they fit within the city’s overall responsibilities.
The months ahead will require focus, humility, and discipline. Tigard must continue addressing long-standing needs while managing the reality of a constrained budget. By listening carefully, focusing on the essentials, and working together, Tigard can continue moving forward.
