Allison Williams, Administrator, Hood River County
SALEM — Hood River County Administrator Allison Williams delivered testimony mid-April before the Joint Ways and Means Committee, urging legislators to support a series of critical bills aimed at funding vital public infrastructure and services for the county.
In her remarks, Williams thanked the committee for its ongoing work in evaluating the state budget and turned attention to several high-priority items for Hood River County, including courthouse replacement, wildfire funding, tax administration, and support for public health and public safety.
Advocating for a safer courthouse
Williams called on lawmakers to include Hood River County’s $85 million bond request in Senate Bill 5505 to fund the replacement of the county’s aging courthouse — a facility identified as high-priority in the state’s 2009 Oregon Courthouse Facilities Assessment.
“Our courthouse was ranked as one of the highest-need facilities in Oregon,” Williams said. “This project is part of a long-standing, state-local partnership to address failing judicial infrastructure and ensure safe, functional courthouses across Oregon.”
Confronting the rising costs of wildfire protection
The county also supports House Bill 3940, which proposes a more sustainable model for statewide wildfire funding. Hood River County manages 34,500 acres of forest and resides in Oregon’s largest fire protection district. From fiscal year 2023 to 2026, fire protection costs are projected to rise by 53%.
“The state needs a fair and sustainable funding model to address the ongoing need for wildfire protection,” Williams noted. “County forest receipts allow the county to provide basic services, and as costs of protection increase, those services are threatened.”
Supporting efficient tax administration
Further, Williams advocated for HB 3518, which would enhance funding for assessment and tax collection. The county collects property taxes for a wide range of public entities, from cities to schools to Hood River County’s many special districts.
“This bill offers a clear return on investment,” she stated. “It ensures all jurisdictions — not just the county — have the resources they need.”
Restoring justice system resources
Citing previous budget cuts, Williams pressed for continued Department of Corrections funding in HB 5004, which includes support for county parole and probation programs.
A call for public health partnership
Williams concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued state investment in local public health services. As one of Oregon’s smallest counties, Hood River faces unique financial challenges: a permanent property tax rate of just $1.42 per $1,000 and nearly half the population earning under $75,000 annually.
“Despite limited resources, we take pride in delivering health services locally. But we can’t do it alone,” she said. “We need the state’s partnership to maintain and strengthen these critical programs.”
A unified ask
Williams closed her testimony by urging bipartisan support for the suite of bills — SB 5505, HB 3940, HB 3518, and HB 5004 — as well as sustained investment in health and human services.
“Our future depends on shared responsibility,” she concluded. “We thank you for your time and careful consideration.”
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