5.21.26 Budget Work Session #17

This was a budget work session held by the Multnomah County Board on May 22, 2026, focusing on departmental budget presentations, procurement processes, and upcoming budget amendment deliberations. The finance team provided detailed updates on contract administration, fiscal oversight, and risk management, highlighting the processing of nearly 1,600 contracts and amendments annually and ongoing efforts to centralize procurement and contract management through a shared services model. Discussions included budget increases primarily in preschool funding and risk management insurance, as well as challenges in contract deliverable tracking and efforts to improve consistency and transparency. The session also covered the county's budget office operations, including labor costing, forecasting, and data visualization improvements. Board members discussed strategies for reviewing budget amendments and notes, emphasizing the need for coordinated scheduling and thorough deliberation. Several budget notes were introduced related to victim services assessment and substance use disorder care continuum analysis, with recognition of potential resource needs for implementation. The meeting concluded with plans for continued budget work sessions and follow-ups with departments.