Washington County, Oregon is grappling with a financial tightrope as officials propose a $2.1 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, seeking to preserve essential services amid fiscal shortfalls. The budget proposal, which aims to address a gap in the county's general fund for the third consecutive year, presents a mixed scenario of cutting back on certain services while spending on key modernizations, detailed in a document made public for residents to assess and comment on. County Administrator Tanya Ange describes the situation as a "tale of two counties," highlighting the duality of expanding programs in some quarters while making cuts in others to balance the books and meet state-mandated service requirements, according to an official statement on the county website.
With the county's general fund standing at $327 million, the proposed budget navigates an uphill road posed by Oregon’s restricted property tax framework, placing Washington County at a competitive disadvantage. Projections indicate a $10 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, down from a $25 million deficit the year before. Chief Financial Officer Greg Munn noted progress in narrowing the revenue-expenditure gap but pointed to the "real consequences" of ongoing service reductions, with the constricted tax system squeezing the growth of general fund revenues. This has resulted in the elimination and freezing of approximately 25 general fund-supported positions and reduced transfers to various community programs, as per the county’s proposed budget summary.
In spite of these cutbacks, the proposed budget doesn't shy away from allocating funds to troubled public safety systems and other crucial sectors. Investments are being made to operate the Washington County Community Corrections Center at full capacity, support mental health and addiction courts, and roll out juvenile crime prevention programs, particularly in underserved communities. These outlays underscore a commitment to maintaining a robust public safety infrastructure and exploring alternatives to incarceration.
Another important facet of the budget focuses on modernization efforts, with almost $66 million in limited-duration pandemic recovery dollars earmarked for maintaining vital public safety facilities such as the Jail and Harkins House Juvenile Shelter. A substantial part of the budget is dedicated to critical transportation projects and to a technology system overhaul, designed to streamline human resources and financial operations, using mostly non-general fund sources, according to the county document.
The total budget reflects a 17% increase from the previous year, influenced predominantly by general cost inflation for salaries, benefits, and major transportation undertakings. In compliance with a strategic plan, spending within the general fund is poised to decrease by 6%, owing to a mix of cuts and redirection of funds to other special funds, demonstrating a nuanced approach to financial stewardship in the face of constrained revenue streams.
Abiding by its commitment to racial equity, Washington County employed the Government Alliance on Racial Equity's Budget Equity Tool to ensure fair and informed resource distribution decisions across the board. Public engagement remains a cornerstone of the county's budgeting process, with a series of hearings and virtual meetings scheduled, allowing residents to voice their concerns and suggestions, as outlined on the county's official website.
