What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a hamlet?
How do hamlets differ from Community Planning Organizations (CPOs)?
Will the Hamlet replace the CPO?
How can hamlets work with neighboring communities and jurisdictions?
Whose idea was this - Clackamas County or proposed hamlet residents?
Who decides on the boundaries?
If I am not interested how can I opt out of the hamlet boundaries?
How could a non-property owner have a voting right in regards to property within this boundary?
Can the hamlet put into place rules that pertain to the property within the boundaries?
Can the hamlet make rules over and above what the county has already set forth?
With additional opportunity comes additional responsibility for citizens. Advantages include increased participation in discussions that affect their communities, enhanced relationships with the County, and the likelihood of recognition and consultation by other jurisdictions. Disadvantages include a need for active citizen participation, leadership, commitment and accountability. Top
Voluntary organizations in unincorporated areas recognized by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) after a public process in each community. Their purpose is to give citizens an increased level of local expression, control and self-governance. Hamlets will be represented by elected advisory boards, subject to oversight by the BCC. Hamlets serve unincorporated areas and are organized forums for citizens to express issues of concern, prioritize activates and coordinate community based activities, as may be approved by the BCC. Hamlet affair are financed through voluntary contributions, grants and fundraising activities. Hamlets cannot impose taxes, fees or membership dues. Top
How do hamlets differ from Community Planning Organizations (CPOs)?
Clackamas Counties recognized citizen involvement organizations for land use matters through many CPOs take up other issues and are reactive to land use issues. Hamlets are proactive and may help to start countywide changes. Top
Will the Hamlet replace the CPO?
Only if the CPO and hamlet boards agree, In that case the hamlet would assume the land use review functions now provided by the CPO Top
How can hamlets work with neighboring communities and jurisdictions?
Upon approval bye the Board of County Commissioners the hamlet may develop Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and other agreements to ensure communication and collaboration on matters of mutual concern. Top
Whose idea was this - Clackamas County or proposed hamlet residents?
Hamlets are always initiated by the citizens of an area. If they are interested in forming a hamlet, the County will assist them. The County does not initiate forming hamlets. Top
Who decides on the boundaries?
The boundary of a hamlet is set by the group forming the hamlet. In this case, the boundary was determined by people who expressed an interest in being included in a hamlet and had signed petitions to be included. Not all people in any specific area were asked about their preferences. Top
If I am not interested how can I opt out of the hamlet boundaries?
Once a boundary is identified, there is no way to remove your property if it creates an island within the hamlet. If your property is on the edge, the boundary can be adjusted accordingly. You don't need to participate if you don't want to and are not bound by any hamlet actions. Top
Must you be a property owner to be a voting member? Or just live in the boundaries of the hamlet (renters)?
Voting members are people at least 18 years old who reside, own property or own/operate a business within the hamlet boundary. Renters are indeed eligible to vote. Top
How could a non-property owner have a voting right in regards to property within this boundary?
Voting is not tied to property ownership. No decisions are made that affect property ownership. Top
Can the hamlet put into place rules that pertain to the property within the boundaries?
The hamlet does not make land use decisions. Land use comments and advice continue to be done by the local Community Planning Organization (CPO) Top
What advantages can a hamlet provide me that I can't get directly from working one on one with the county? I have done this in the past and the county is very willing and easy to work with.
The hamlet does not replace your ability to work directly with the County. They offer support and assistance if you are interested. The hamlet will work on projects that involve the rural community and may be of interest to you. Top
Do we really need another layer in the county for citizens to work through?
You are not required to work through or even with the hamlet. They are not an additional layer of government. Hamlets are advisory boards to the Board of County Commissioners. Top
What if I want to work directly with the county instead of through the hamlet? You can continue to work directly with whomever you choose to work with.
You are not required to work with the hamlet. Top
Can the hamlet make rules over and above what the county has already set forth?
No, the hamlet cannot make rules above the County's rules. The hamlet cannot make any rules. It is a completely voluntary organization. Top
Can the hamlet regulate boundary members on what they can or can't do with their property if it is not against any county or state laws?
No. The hamlet cannot regulate land use. Top
What is the plan to fund this hamlet? Can it be demanded that members contribute to the hamlet? I see that it is stated that the hamlet has no power to impose any fees but if the hamlet passes a rule for members to be required to contribute by any means to create funding isn't that consider imposing fees?
The hamlet is funded with a $2000 annual grant from the County's general fund. That money comes from property taxes paid by all property owners in Clackamas County. All additional funding comes from either grants the hamlet may apply for, or through voluntary donations which are tax deductable. The ordinance establishing hamlets does not permit any taxes, fees or dues to be levied against its members. The hamlet has NO taxing ability. Top
Will the relationship between Clackamas County and hamlets be different that between the County and other areas?
Clackamas County remains the governing body for all unincorporated areas. However, through the process of formation, approval and subsequent development of priority activities and funding, hamlets will have an enhanced ability to work with the Board of County Commissioners. Unless the citizens agree to change, CPOs are still the primary citizen involvement organizations and recognized bodies for commenting on local land use proposals in the county. Top