Boards and Commissions Vacancies - Spring 2014

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Per Board of Commissioners procedures, the County Administrative Office will solicit applications from individuals for a six-week period.  Staff will keep the Commissioners apprised of applications received and of approaching deadlines.  

As specified in the revised Recruitment, Selection & Appointment Process, there will be an opportunity for the Board to discuss appointments at a worksession prior to scheduling any formal action.

Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council (AVSAC) – 10 vacancies (4 terms expiring 06/30/14; 6 current vacancies)

Description:   Planning for future services and reviewing current programs are two key roles for these 13 volunteers.  Their community ties and personal or professional familiarity with issues facing seniors and veterans make them an invaluable resource for Washington County Disability, Aging & Veterans’ Services and the Board of Commissioners.  The Council advises the department on policy, programs, and actions affecting the delivery of services and generally serves as an advocate for veterans and the elderly. 
Members:    Thirteen: consumers over age 60, Minority, an elected official, Veterans Healthcare Provider, Veterans Provider, General Public, under age 60 veteran and Rural
Term:    3 years
Staff Contact:    Janet Long, Aging & Veteran Services, (503) 846-3081



Audit Committee – 2 terms expiring 06/30/14 (1 is for a member of the Board of County Commissioners)

Description:   Independent oversight is critical to the effectiveness of financial statement audits.  The audit committee monitors audits of the County’s finances, in the belief that access to knowledgeable individuals help prevent an excessive reliance on the expertise of the external auditor. 
Members:    Five members who are knowledgeable of accounting and auditing as demonstrated by professional employment in accounting, auditing, or finance, including one appointee from the membership of the Board of County Commissioners. 
Term:    2 years
Staff Contact:    Mary Gruss, Chief Finance Officer, (503) 846-8756



Board of Property Tax Appeals – 6 terms expiring 06/30/14

Description:      The Board of Property Tax Appeals was established by state law to consider taxpayer petitions challenging assessed value determined by the County Assessor review the annual Ratio Study and recommend for valuation adjustments, and examine the assessment roll for needed corrections.  The Board also considers requests to excuse penalties assessed for the late filing of real and personal property returns.     
Members:    Five members who are residents of the county and are not employees of the County or any taxing district within the county.  Qualifications include knowledge of real estate, appraisal and assessment practices, patience, understanding and a sense of civic responsibility. 
Term:    1 year
Staff Contact:      Joe Nelson, Assessment & Taxation Records/Cartography, (503) 846-3947



Civil Service Commission– 2 terms expiring 05/31/14

Description:      Reviews the proposed budget developed for the North Bethany County Service District in unincorporated Washington County. 
Members:    Five members who are registered voters within the county.  No member of the Commission shall be a member of the governing body or an employee of the County or Clean Water Services except that any Commissioner may serve as a member of any other civil service commission. 
Term:    2 years
Staff Contact:    Brandi Johnston, Human Resources Analyst, (503) 846-3741



Enhanced Sheriff Patrol District Budget Committee – 1 term expiring 06/30/14

Description:      Reviews the proposed budget developed for the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District in urban unincorporated Washington County.   
Members:    Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county.  Each County Commissioner appoints one member.  The five residents must live in ESPD. 
Term:    3 years
Staff Contact:    Mary Gruss, Chief Finance Officer, (503) 846-8756



Farm Board of Review – 1 term expiring 06/30/14

Description:      The Farm Board of Review is an advisory panel to the County Assessor.  The Board meets once each year to inform the Assessor regarding farm land rents and other information pertaining to the valuation for property taxation as provided by Oregon law.   
Members:    Five members with knowledge of agricultural land rents and current farming practices who are residents of the county.  Three members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the County Tax Assessor. 
Term:    2 years
Staff Contact:    Steve Harris, Assessment & Taxation Appraisal Division Manager, (503) 846-8826



Metzger Park Advisory Board – 4 vacancies (2 terms expiring 06/30/14; 2 current vacancies)

Description:      Maintains a proud tradition of overseeing the only park in the County supported through a Local Improvement District.  The Board plans and helps with park maintenance needs, deals with the administrative issues involved in running an active urban park.   
Members:    Nine members (seven regular and two alternates) who own property within the Metzger Park Local Improvement District. 
Term:    3 years
Staff Contact:    Todd Winter, Parks Manager
(503) 359-5732



Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) –2 terms expiring 06/30/14

Description:      Provides advice on the maintenance, operations, and capital development needs of county parks, including Scoggins Valley Park/ Henry Hagg Lake. 
Members:    Nine members who are residents of the county.  Traditionally members appointed from all Commissioner Districts.
Term:    3 years
Staff Contact:    Todd Winter, Parks Manager, (503) 359-5732



West Slope Community Library Advisory Board – 1 term expiring 06/30/14

Description:      Advises on library policy in matters of hiring, budget, materials selection, hours of service; assists with fund raising and volunteer program; may represent the library on the WCCLS Executive Board.     
Members:    Five members who are registered users of the West Slope Library.   
Term:    3 years
Staff Contact:    Eva Calcagno, Library Services Manager
(503) 846-3233

The application deadline is May 6, 2014 or open until filled.  Applications may be obtained by visiting the Boards and Commissions website.  

Boards, committees and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County.  Committees themselves do not pass ordinances to establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations.  Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners.  In many cases, members must be residents of Washington County.  Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.

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