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Friends and Neighbors,
 Governor Updates
Governor Kate Brown Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency
Last week, Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until January 2, 2021. The declaration is the legal underpinning for the Governor’s COVID-19 executive orders and the Oregon Health Authority’s health and safety guidance. She issued the following statement:
“As early as January of this year, the Oregon Health Authority began its COVID-19 preparedness efforts as cases spread overseas. Since then, more than 600 Oregonians and over 200,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 — and last week, we set a daily record with 550 new cases.
"Extending the COVID-19 state of emergency is not something I do lightly, but we know all too well that not taking action would mean an even greater loss of life. The second wave of COVID-19 has arrived in the United States, and this time it is hitting all of our communities.
“My goal is to keep Oregon on track to open more schools for in-person instruction for our students — and to continue to reopen, and keep open, our businesses, communities, and economies. Oregon is not an island. Without safety precautions in place, we could quickly see our case counts spike as well.
“We must continue to work together and follow the simple steps that have kept us safe throughout this pandemic: washing our hands, wearing face coverings, watching our physical distance, staying home when sick, and avoiding social get-togethers, especially indoors.”
The state of emergency declaration is the legal underpinning for the executive orders the Governor has issued to keep Oregonians healthy and safe throughout this crisis, including her orders on reopening Oregon while maintaining essential health and safety protections, as well as orders around childcare, schools, and higher education operations. Extending the state of emergency declaration allows those orders to stay in effect.
The Governor reviews and reevaluates each of her emergency orders every 60 days, to determine whether those orders should be continued, modified, or rescinded. The findings of this review process are listed in the executive order.
Oregon Health Authority Updates
From Oregon Health Authority
Last week, we reported the highest number of daily cases since the pandemic began. The continuing increase in cases is a reminder of just how important wearing a face covering, frequent hand washing, physical distancing and staying home when you’re sick continue to be.
COVID-19 is still in our communities, and we each have a role to play in reducing its spread. As you consider your weekend plans, here are four questions you can ask yourself to assess how risky they are.
 Property Tax Programs and Exemptions
Property taxes are due in November and property owners should have recently received their statements in the mail. Along with repayment options, there are additional programs or exemptions that you may qualify for.
Payment Options
From Washington County Assesment and Taxation
Taxpayers have several payment options. Taxes may be paid in three installments due November 16, 2020; February 15, 2021; and May 17, 2021. There are also provisions for full payments with a 3 percent discount or a two-thirds payment with a 2 percent discount. Payments must be postmarked by November 16, 2020, to receive a discount. Property owners who do not receive a tax statement by November 1 should call the Tax Collections Office at 503-846-8801.
Due to COVID-19, the County strongly encourages paying taxes by mail, online, or drop box locations. For payment options and drop box locations, please visit the County Website for more information.
- Online Payments: Washington County accepts payments via the Internet using a credit card, debit card or a direct transfer from a customer's bank account. This payment method can be accessed through the Washington County Website.
- Payments by Phone: Taxpayers also have the option to pay via telephone by calling 1-888-510-9274.
Property Tax Deferral Programs
From the Oregon Department of Revenue
Disabled and senior citizens can "borrow" money from the state of Oregon to pay property taxes. Read more to see if you qualify for this program and get instructions on how to apply.
*The filing period for a property tax deferral is January 1st-April 15th.
Visit here for more information on deferral programs.
Oregon Has Over 100 Exemption Programs
A property tax exemption is a legislatively approved program that relieves qualified individuals or organizations from all or part of their property taxes. Exemptions can be either full or partial, depending on the program requirements and the extent to which the property is used in a qualifying manner. Most exemptions granted to non-governmental entities are granted to religious, fraternal, literary, benevolent, or charitable organizations. The exempt property must be reasonably necessary and used in a way to achieve the organization's purpose. Any portion of the property that does not meet the requirements of the exemption the program is taxable. Some property is taxed at a reduced value through a special assessment program. In that case, the lower assessed value results in a reduced tax liability. Examples of special assessment programs include historic property, farmland, forest land, and conservation easement.
Get forms and instructions
Visit our forms and publications center and search on "exemption" to download property tax exemption forms and instructions. Look for results under Property, Food processors exemption, and Enterprise zone.
Community Outreach
Washington County 350PDX Event- One World Films Presents 2040: The Regeneration
 We are excited to announce our fourth and final film of year, it has an optimistic message about a possible green future if we just put to use technology and knowledge that we already have. Visit here for more information.
Register for the free event at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/350org-washington-county-screening-of-2040-tickets-118276808117
Opinion Survey for Metro West Recycling and Transfer Center
Metro has identified a property for sale in Cornelius at North Fourth Street and Holladay Street, just north of WalMart, that could potentially accommodate a future recycling and waste transfer center. Metro will work to build the facility on this site if the outcomes from a recent property evaluation and local community engagement support it.
Learn more information about the proposed project here.
Visit here to take the survey.
There will be an upcoming webinar to learn more about the project on November 10th, from 4:30-6:00pm. Visit here to sign up to attend.
Hillsboro School District-School Board Special Session
The Hillsboro School District will meet on Monday 11/9 at 5:15 for a work session to discuss the Oregon Department of Education revised school metrics.
Shred Event: November 7th, 8am-1pm
 Fall Leaf Pickup and Drop-Off Program Began this Week
From the City of Hillsboro Public Works Department
City of Hillsboro residents can easily recycle fall leaves thanks to the leaf pickup and drop-off programs offered by the Public Works Department.
These longstanding programs serve to:
- Keep more than 240 miles of City streets and the Stormwater System clean and reliable
- Reduce flooding caused by leaves clogging catch basins
- Prevent debris from flowing downstream into water quality facilities and local waterways
Curbside Leaf Pickup: The Curbside Leaf Pickup season runs annually from November through December.
The City of Hillsboro has ten districts for leaf pickup. In each district, the City picks up leaves once in November and again in December.
Please note pickup schedules may change due to emergencies or severe weather.
Maps and Schedule: To determine which leaf district your address is in and review the pickup schedule, visit the links below or call 503-615-6509.
For more information on the program and for Drop-Off locations and dates, visit the City of Hillsboro website here.
AARP OR Webinar: Tips and Tools to Help Make Your Money Last a Lifetime - Older Adults and Financial Resilience
- Today, Friday, Nov 6, 2020
- From 11:30am to 12:30pm Pacific Time
Oregon’s been through an unprecedented wildfire season. We’ve all learned that we need to be prepared for future disasters. While we often focus on staying safe, it’s equally important to know how to protect hard-earned financial assets before, during and after a disaster. Will you be able to find important legal documents, insurance papers and bank accounts?
Your state agencies have made it easier than ever before to get help when you need it. Hear from Oregon experts on tips, tools and resources you can put to use right away on securing your financial future.
This webinar is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, click here.
Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
 On a personal note, my husband and I welcomed our very first grandchild last week. We are over the moon excited to add Oliver Dean to our family cast of characters. A beautiful bundle that has brought us a bright light of hope and happiness in a tough and challenging year. Everyone is healthy. I am grateful and blessed. Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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