FY 26-27 Budget Committee Meeting - May 28, 2026 (Morning)

The Clackamas County FY 26-27 Budget Committee meeting on May 28, 2026, focused extensively on budget deliberations related to public safety, library services, behavioral health funding, and community event support. Key procurement and budget discussions included the funding shortfall of approximately $500,000 in the District Attorney's office, with a request to fund a dedicated prosecutor for civil commitments. The committee also discussed operational funding and staffing for the newly constructed Gladstone and Oak Lodge libraries, including the possibility of using contingency funds to restore Sunday hours. Behavioral health funding challenges were highlighted, particularly state funding cuts affecting prevention programs and Medicaid-related wraparound services, with debate over the county's role in backfilling these gaps. The Sheriff’s Office presented detailed staffing data, emphasizing the complexity of managing patrol deputies, support staff, and the impact of levy and general fund allocations. The committee expressed concern over proposed layoffs affecting critical victim advocacy positions within the Family Justice Center and discussed the statutory authority of the Sheriff regarding deputy staffing levels. Additionally, the committee addressed funding and operational concerns related to the Canby Rodeo and Fair, with potential tourism board involvement to assess financial support. Action items included requests for more detailed staffing and budget impact reports from the Sheriff’s Office to inform final budget decisions. Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges of balancing public safety priorities with fiscal constraints and the need for data-driven resource allocation.