Just as laws and regulations intertwine federal, state and local governments, spending programs pass your tax dollars across jurisdictions.  Many of the services that Douglas County government offers will be impacted by Oregon’s budget cuts.

Receiving federal funding is dependent on the state being able to match, with state tax dollars, the federal tax dollars that are offered.  For example, in health and social service programs it is common for the state to put $40 on the table and the feds match it with $60.  So, cutting state general fund results in huge service cuts because of the loss of the federal match.

The county Health & Social Services Department is heavily dependent on federal and state funds.  Programs for seniors and disabled individuals, public health services like immunizations, mental health services, and transportation funding for public, senior and disabled transit all have a very hefty pass through component.  Less than 2% of the Health Department budget is immune from state and federal funding. 

The Commission on Children and Families receives all their funding from state sources and distributes it to local non profit organizations, like the crisis relief nursery, that provide services to vulnerable children.

Our Veterans’ Service office is heavily dependent on state funding.

Public safety benefits from a large number of revenue streams that help fund programs like emergency management, 911, wildlife management, marine patrols, jail operations, victims assistance and restitution, juvenile detention, and the operation of the circuit court system. 

Our Land Department works with the Oregon Department of Forestry (DOF) to provide assistance to forest landowners that are restocking tree stands.  The cuts to the DOF budget will severely impact their service forestry program, and the county will be taking up the slack.

Parks receives numerous grants from the state to improve our parks system and boat ramps, as does Salmon Harbor in Winchester Bay.

Our department heads are currently working with their partner state agencies to gain clarity on local impacts of the 9% across-the-board cuts that Governor Kulongoski announced.  County budget rebalancing will take place as the cuts are clarified.

Susan always welcomes your questions or comments.  Please contact her by email at morgan@co.douglas.or.us; by mail at Douglas County Courthouse, Room 217, 1036 SE Douglas, Roseburg, 97470; or by phone at 440-4201.