Budget Committee

Most local governments in Oregon, from the smallest cemetery district to the largest city, must prepare and adopt an annual budget. Schools, education service districts, community colleges, counties, cities, urban renewal agencies, and most special districts are all subject to the same budget provisions.

Oregon’s Local Budget Law is found in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 294.305 to 294.565. The full text of these statutes can be found on the Oregon Legislature web site at  https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/.

The law sets out several specific steps that must be followed during the budgeting process. The process must begin far enough in advance that it can be followed and the budget adopted before June 30 of the current fiscal year or the last June 30 of the current biennial budget period. Without a budget for the new fiscal period in place, the local government’s authority to spend money or incur obligations expires on June 30. A local government’s ability to impose a property tax is also contingent on following the budgeting process. Compliance with Local Budget Law is critical for local governments.

To give the public ample opportunity to participate in the budgeting process, Local Budget Law requires that a budget officer be appointed and that a budget committee be formed that includes voters from the district. The budget officer draws together necessary information and prepares the proposed budget. The budget committee reviews and may revise the proposed budget before it is formally approved. After the budget committee approves the budget, the governing body publishes a summary of the budget and holds a public hearing, at which any person may appear for or against any item in the budget. These requirements encourage public participation in budget making.

They also give public exposure to budgeted programs and fiscal policies before the governing body adopts the budget. Citizen involvement in the budget cycle varies from one community to another. It is up to each local government to prepare a budget that clearly outlines its fiscal policies for the patrons of the district. If a budget is clear and concise, taxpayers have a better understanding of what services their tax dollars are buying. Local governments may find citizen input informative and rewarding.

BUDGET COMMITTEE MEMBERS

FISCAL YEAR 2023-24

Note: There has to be an equal number of committee members as elected Board of County Commissioners.

COMPENSATION BOARD MEMBERS: