Executive Session 

The Tigard City Council met in an Executive Session called under ORS 192.660(2) (i) for performance review of public officers or employees.

Public Comment

Two public comments were given, one in person and one on the phone, both about concerns around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

City Manager Report

Acting City Manager Tritsch shared that the Tigard Public Library building is temporarily closed for HVAC repairs and in-person Express Services will be available at Tigard City Hall as of February 6, Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Phone service is available every day 10:00 am – 6:00 pm at 503-684-6537. Patrons are also welcome to visit any of the Washington County library branches. The library building is planned to reopen in May 2026.

Update from Washington County Commissioner Snider 

Commissioner Snider shared a high-level update of the county’s budget, including a $5 million General Fund shortfall this year, compared to the prior year shortfall of $20 million. In future years, the county plans to try to shore up revenues to fill the funding gap. The recently approved Library and Public Safety levies will maintain services for the next 5 years. 

Council expressed interest in more advocacy for houselessness assistance from the county and other local cities. Commissioner Snider shared that leaders need to be prepared for the impacts of the federal funding cuts. 

Commissioner Snider shared that during late 2025, the county commission declared a state of emergency and directed $450,000 of funds from reserves to both food insecurity and what was occurring with the immigrant refugee community.

Washington County Housing Department Annual Report 

Director of Housing Services Rogers and Assistant Director of Housing Authority Chen shared an overview of the FY 2024-2025 Housing Department Annual Report. Their work is vision and mission driven: they want everyone to have an affordable home and to create pathways out of homelessness and to stability. They shared housing data and highlighted a few local success stories.

Clean Water Services (CWS) Updates 

CWS Chief Utility Relations Officer Gall shared updates about the organization and highlighted the importance of the partnership between CWS and the City of Tigard. CWS plans to complete a billing feasibility study in 2026, with the anticipation for results and decisions in early 2027. They also plan to work with Tigard on a new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), by the summer of 2026. Council requested that CWS consider not increasing rates this year.

City Council Ground Rules Discussion and Consideration of Resolution

City Attorney Rihala shared that the current 2025-2026 Ground Rules were adopted in 2025 and a full revision is not necessary in 2026. However, staff sought feedback from Council as to any interim changes desired and one item was proposed. The resolution was approved unanimously to clarify “when a Council member has a question of staff, the Council member will direct the question to the City Manager or applicable department director, rather than line staff. This does not prevent a Council member from contacting their board and committee liaisons or for other administrative inquiries.” This is consistent with past Council discussions but was not previously memorialized in the Ground Rules.