FY 26-27 Budget Committee Meeting - May 29, 2026

The Clackamas County Budget Committee convened on May 29, 2026, to review and deliberate the FY 2026-2027 budget with a focus on the sheriff's office staffing and funding. The committee examined detailed budget documents, including proposed layoffs of 16 positions within the sheriff's office, and discussed the financial implications of restoring these positions. A key topic was the Family Justice Center (FJC), with the District Attorney advocating for funding to maintain critical victim advocacy roles. The committee debated the allocation of approximately $374,000 to restore two FJC-related positions and considered an additional $2 million to preserve other at-risk sheriff's office positions. Legal counsel clarified that while the committee can appropriate funds at the program level, the sheriff retains authority over specific staffing decisions. The committee passed a motion to add $374,298 in general fund support to the FJC and parole and probation programs and approved a broader motion to add approximately $1.74 million to various sheriff's office programs to prevent layoffs. Discussions also addressed concerns about budget transparency, monthly financial reporting, and the challenges of balancing personnel and materials and services costs. The meeting concluded with the committee approving the overall FY 2026-2027 budget totaling approximately $1.53 billion with specified tax rates, acknowledging the ongoing fiscal challenges and the need for continued collaboration and oversight.