Public Services Building reopens after emergency plumbing repairs

Hillsboro, Ore.--Washington County’s headquarters facility returned to service Monday, February 23, after nearly three days of closure due to emergency plumbing repairs.

Tree roots compromised the Public Services Building’s connection to the main sewer line, causing a blockage under the sidewalk along West Main Street on Wednesday, February 18. The need for emergency repairs prompted a shutdown of the water supply to the entire building and a temporary halt to in-person services.

The building opened at its usual time of 8 a.m. on Monday, February 23, with restored in-person services. Part of the sidewalk along West Main Street will remain closed, however, as some repairs continue.

During the building shutdown, County employees continued to provide many – but not all – public services through online channels. The public could access these online services through the County’s website or by calling 503-846-8611.

“We appreciate the public and county employees for their patience and flexibility during this unexpected disruption of our in-person services,” said County Administrator Tanya Ange. “We are also grateful to the rapid response, teamwork and long hours spent by our Department of Facilities, Fleet and Parks, our contractors McKinstry and Loy Clark Constructions and the City of Hillsboro’s Public Works Department.”

The Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building was built in 1990, provides 132,000 square feet of office space and hosts public services provided by departments including Assessment and Taxation, Board of County Commissioners, County Administrative Office, Health and Human Services and Land Use and Transportation. Additional largely internally facing services include those provided by the Office of County Counsel and the departments of Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology Services.