Union County Adopts FY2025-26 Budget After May 20 Budget Meeting

The Union County Board of Commissioners voted 3–0 on June 25 to adopt a $70.3 million fiscal year 2025-26 budget, which takes effect July 1 and represents about a 9% increase over the current 2024-25 budget. Commissioners credited Administrative Officer and Fiscal Officer Shelley Burgess and department heads for their work preparing the plan.

Burgess presented the budget message to the county budget committee during the May 20 meeting in the Joseph Building Annex Conference Room, where the committee formally elected Audrey Cant as chair after a motion by Matthew Goodwin and a second from Mathew Miles. Commissioner Paul Anderes called the May 20 meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., the Pledge of Allegiance was given, and Allison Moore served as recording secretary during the session.

The adopted budget differs from the budget committee’s initial recommendation by two necessary changes within the general fund that were made after the May meetings, Burgess said, noting the adjustments fall within legal limits. “Local budget law allows for changes after publication prior to adoption of up to 10% in any fund. These requested changes fall within that allowable limit,” Burgess said as the board finalized the budget.

Public safety budget discussions during the May 20 committee meeting focused on several operational pressures flagged by Sheriff Cody Bowen. The minutes record a $380,000 figure in connection with Bowen’s requests: “$380,000. Sheriff Bowen understands that this is a large ask.” Bowen explained deputies and their gear take up significant space, praised the Chevy Tahoe for accommodating the workspace needed while patrolling, and acknowledged that funding had been reduced to cover only three vehicles. Bowen also told the committee the City of Elgin contract extends for an additional six years, and he said a recent decrease in marine funding had been brought to his office four days before the meeting, leaving him unsure whether the Marine Deputy position would be affected.

The budget committee also heard from a presenter identified in the minutes as Mr. Miller about an at-risk youth program operating during open hours to provide food, showers, laundry, support and pathways for medical and housing assistance. Mr. Miller described a family support night offering parent education and a hot meal, and responded to Commissioner Jake Seavert’s question about Oregon Youth Authority medical expenses by saying those costs are turned over to the state and then to the individual once released from custody. Asked to describe Friends of the Children, Mr. Miller said, “it is a groundbreaking organization that will help lead troubled youth down the right path. It is privately owned; meaning all red tape is gone.”

Commissioner R. Matthew Scarfo praised the budget process, saying, “Like I said during the budget committee meetings, it was so clean and there was no issues,” as the board moved to adopt the final document. With the budget adopted and the fiscal year starting July 1, county staff and department leaders will move into implementation of the FY2025-26 spending plan.