Moody's Assigns Highest Possible Rating for Emergency Communications Bonds

Washington County officials have been notified that Moody’s Investors Service has assigned its highest rating, “Aaa,” to the County’s $77 million General Obligation Bonds, Series 2016, designated to replace and upgrade the current 9-1-1 emergency communications system. Learn more here.

Thank You Voters

On behalf of all of the member agencies who rely on the emergency communications system, we are thankful to the voters of Washington County for their support of the Emergency Communications Bond Measure as part of the May Primary Election this year.  This critical system is used 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by every law enforcement, fire and rescue, and ambulance service provider countywide. The equipment and facilities improvements that will be paid for through these bond funds will help first responders throughout Washington County to be as effective as possible when assisting the public during emergencies.

We are also thankful for how the voters of Clackamas County responded to a similar measure in their county. The two systems are linked to provide effective radio service across a major portion of the greater Portland metropolitan area. The Washington County and Clackamas County bond measures were timed to coordinate upgrades in a manner that optimizes system efficiency and effectiveness.

Moving forward, we plan to work together with the 19 member agencies of the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency – also known as the 9-1-1 dispatch center – to ensure that we use these bond funds exactly as the voters have authorized. By leveraging off of the current low-interest-rate environment, we will coordinate with the County so that, together, we can transition our system and strengthen our facilities over the next three to five years. We plan to keep the public informed about these activities as we move forward.

Again, we are thankful to the voters for supporting the improvements needed to keep this critical communications system functioning in the years ahead.

Kelly Dutra
Director
Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA)

Background

When the public calls 911 for help, Washington County’s emergency communications system is used to dispatch first responders countywide. Communications equipment in the system is reaching the end of serviceable life and buildings and towers need room for growth and more strengthening for earthquakes and other hazards. If approved by voters at the Primary Election on May 17, 2016, bonds would pay for $77 million in capital costs for emergency and 911 facilities, including converting the existing system to current technology; improving countywide coverage by installing more towers; strengthening facilities for earthquakes, storms and other emergencies; providing for efficient expansion of the 911 center and emergency response facilities, and replacing approximately 3,000 analog radios currently used by first responders countywide.

Projected levy rate is not expected to exceed 8¢ per $1,000 of assessed value. Estimated cost for an average county home with an assessed value of $255,408 would be $20 in the first year. The levy period would be less than 21 years. Given potential changes in bond interest rates and assessed values, it is possible that the bonds could be completely paid sooner than estimated. 

This information was reviewed by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for compliance with ORS 260.432. (ADV. 16-010)