[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6226610,"mediaKeyId","3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e","parentId",3504294,"title","Budget committee, staff clarify authority: committee cannot unilaterally restore positions or spend without appropriation","audioSeconds",341,"startMs",2632000,"endMs",2973000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e&start=2632&end=2973","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e/thumbnail_2632000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226610/Oregon/Budget-committee-staff-clarify-authority-committee-cannot-unilaterally-restore-positions-or-spend-without-appropriation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226610-b40ab438cf2d7b3a6ef7aea44d7327c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012871&Signature=Ur3~EhvKlp5IkFVbnTyr4UqfhbqIAOh4zJAvYV4f8~wi8yNkOeHd1UAyXu-qMmfXsq6Lw5gOT4sMR-HM3CFXXa5RgEXqyw0Iuli-IRxPGLjqy13do~gRDS~tUpqcxhhh4EE69QWDS3A3AqytKQ7VZ7H2x22D5PK~AdHsZwXpf6g9hn1Ycw~NTP0duz6xVrG5AsZP8~eTwRQK8iu-R5-FE85On2VELduNjhy2UtMI35FTzWyHtl6XRWbF7dAArOa7EijlGFJytZ6ktEbg~MkvhdbSbpOoVRkvZrWZI8eGMtn3OKXGBDHtC7oLG3sXo-FppPoztBAsyNFT7dOJUYkHBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Corvallis School District OR","date","2025-05-23T16:53:09Z","article","Members of the Corvallis School District budget committee and staff clarified the limits of the committee's authority during discussion of possible reallocations and restorations.

Why it matters: Several community members asked the committee to restore positions or tap contingency funds to save programs. Committee members and staff emphasized the procedural and contractual steps that govern staffing and spending.

Key points: Budget committee members noted that even if the committee recommends moving money into staff lines, that would not guarantee reinstatement of particular employees. Staff explained that collective-bargaining agreements and board policy govern layoffs and recall: \"We have agreements with our certified union as well as our classified union... it specifically describes how we must go through a layoff and recall process,\" Lauren said.

The committee also heard that the district cannot legally issue payments without an adopted appropriation. \"I cannot issue a payment, without the authorization to do so from the board,\" Lauren said when asked what would happen if the committee did not approve a budget on schedule.

If the budget is delayed or if audits are late, staff warned of practical consequences: auditors may find unauthorized expenditures, and the state can withhold state school fund payments when required filings are not complete. Staff said that while no outside party takes over district accounts, delayed appropriations and filings can lead to ratings and financing consequences.

Ending: Committee members asked staff to continue explaining processes to the public and to provide clear guidance on what the budget committee can recommend versus what the board must authorize. Staff agreed to keep the committee and community informed of options and constraints.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Corvallis School Board Budget Meeting (May 22nd, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members repeatedly underscored that the budget committee can recommend appropriation changes but cannot direct staffing decisions or authorize payments; adopted appropriation and board action are required for spending and for use of reserves.","taxTitle","Corvallis SD 509J, School Districts, Oregon","taxId",38546,"location","Oregon","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226614,"District demographer data: multifamily units produce fewer students than single-family; affordable housing yields higher child generation rates",113,3940000,4053000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e&start=3940&end=4053","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e/thumbnail_3940000.jpg","/articles/6226614/Oregon/District-demographer-data-multifamily-units-produce-fewer-students-than-single-family-affordable-housing-yields-higher-child-generation-rates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226614-758abb8379aa9e10f993cf9554fbc7e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012871&Signature=jC0PXVreBBEorC~t7Vsc037xyMVwFzpC1w14MdWA67Tu5WKGNXau2jEsqDuzSBB5YeLHvWwJAE16g8d60Dt2uwEjBJ~dwuDqfXcev~JRYy4ros3f0eJfww-44LRYqnwVcCSBLPaCn4yye2xEXgv3964AdLMEdPatcCtRyX0o6yncyjFkKL1HggQmU2A9BaZDLvChi0-18Gv3ew2M2g0yVChqn9tqJluh8tueZUWh1QHhkh1KQxKebu1sg30Fiz~gli58NByfat7z5L4BO3tfBEtXzVI8ZBm0KEqDvXwufbkajsX223gP9niWQ0N4-HQI0MqGjoQpWi0gC35Betp0eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff described the demographic assumptions used to build the budget and explained why new multifamily development in Corvallis has not produced the student enrollment increases some residents expected.

Why it matters: Enrollment drives state revenue for the district; declining enrollment has been central to budget decisions. Community members asked whether recent or planned housing developments would change enrollment assumptions.

Key points: Staff said the district's demographic study reviewed building permits and post-occupancy student yield. The study found approximately one student for every four new single-family homes and roughly one student per five multifamily units. Staff also said income-restricted units tend to produce more students than market-rate multifamily, and offered the example that a recent 64-unit development would be expected to generate roughly 33 students spread across age groups according to the district's yield factors.

Staff cautioned that multifamily development has produced lower-than-expected student counts in prior Corvallis projects, citing the Lincoln area development as an example where new units did not yield expected students. The district said it uses permit data and actual yield studies when forecasting enrollment.

What the committee heard: Members asked whether the district had broken out student-generation rates by income-restricted versus market-rate housing. Staff said they have the data and can provide it. The committee and staff agreed demographic trends are a key part of long-range facilities and budget planning.

Ending: Staff said long-range facility planning incorporates building permit data and demographic study results when planning for future enrollment and staffing needs.","District staff said demographic study findings show single-family homes generate about one student per four new houses while multifamily units generate about one student per five units; income-restricted housing produces more students than market-rate multifamily.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226618,"Committee hears community concern as music minutes and FTE are reduced; cost to restore estimated at roughly $550,000",59,5788000,5847000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e&start=5788&end=5847","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e/thumbnail_5788000.jpg","/articles/6226618/Oregon/Committee-hears-community-concern-as-music-minutes-and-FTE-are-reduced-cost-to-restore-estimated-at-roughly-550000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226618-3c07ec0771551b207b821e3c9b03cffb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012871&Signature=C6rKYJv7OK-IRpKJALMN43VGmFb9Ak90lsHMROmhilhgb6mgJUlBw3-loZmcz1EvpDlJujBvtLZznwCY-e21hmciNShk3ovlfssKGus2Qmoo-brC9hY3oWeZZoBHPm1ZgWAvqpZf7J17mCEqSLL0K2q3FXww-UPozcEUUWFM1gdvNSrb54hXsa24ERQ0kJV1jm2UvIRSxLsXCLngpNB7RbsNXM5hqPlJXcg0~DNwjlJ7UDIs8L~Z8VyAMuo31vkTQ2aAwUbvj5p-1vQsznXo-a4RXagLat0BDtSa2~cBqzd0VcBmZ3yx30JMpH0ZwcWDQ5FZUJQfJfrmFb3zMzijsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Community members, budget committee members and district staff discussed reductions to music instruction time and staff during the Corvallis School District budget committee meeting.

Why it matters: Several committee members and members of the public said music and arts programs are core to student development and called for the district to consider restoring instruction time and staffing. Staff and committee members emphasized the financial and contractual constraints that make restoration complex.

Details: The district proposal reduces elementary music from 60 to 45 minutes per class and reduces several sectional offerings at middle school, while keeping high-school music intact. Shauna (budget committee member) asked what it would take to maintain music FTE at current levels; staff replied that restoring the minutes and FTE across elementary through high school would cost about $550,000. Restoring the elementary 15 minutes alone would cost more than $400,000.

Staff explained constraints beyond the dollar figure: union contract language, seniority and bumping rules affect how any restored funding would be applied to specific employees. \"We can't direct the funds,\" Lauren said. \"You can't guarantee it would go to whatever department we're hoping it would go to.\" Committee members said the loss of minutes can have outsized impacts on both student experience and teacher workload because music teachers may serve multiple buildings.

Several committee members urged the district to treat arts and music as part of a broader strategy to improve literacy and student outcomes. Therese said the community should explore ways to measure music's impact on academic outcomes and consider longer-term strategies for sustaining arts instruction.

What the district did elsewhere in the budget: Staff described that reductions and reallocations earlier in the process focused on aligning staffing to declining enrollment and reexamining department spending (software consolidation or other non-staff items) before reaching decisions that affected classroom-based specialists.

Ending: Committee members and community speakers emphasized that the budget committee cannot itself restore positions; any restoration would require board-level action and adherence to contract obligations. The conversation closed with repeated appreciation for music educators and a request for deeper community engagement around arts funding.","Committee members and community speakers pressed district staff about recent reductions to music instruction and the effects on students and teachers. Staff said restoring all music FTE would cost roughly $550,000; returning the elementary 15 minutes alone would cost over $400,000.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226623,"District staff explain limits on using reserves: unappropriated funds largely inaccessible",702,1047000,1749000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e&start=1047&end=1749","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e/thumbnail_1047000.jpg","/articles/6226623/Oregon/District-staff-explain-limits-on-using-reserves-unappropriated-funds-largely-inaccessible","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226623-1feb69990d4640075ef602904e371fc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012871&Signature=OpdD77vkIrj3prYNqjlQbW01mawuvQGstsSogn53dB7qYf56SS7R8JtMvP~5ZoaqK4tPKVTaJowBzxH5DyNisu03TjeuKNLJwcHxyKpqJ4Og6QNXkrcszzRLkqgneZ3L8OwyGt9aCbT~vcGLGPggToK32BqvOmvbGP0ShpXJQ0c7I99Szm4NN3rTXtoQC2unVRnJCDaJ2JOe4cxLFYGwaCA7yLHzgpyfj1vdwHM005Cs6o5Dj2ixhFfzHsmfeBQ8Hm3A4XDuj-GvyHARLFNLSu-65gJXcJuJELR3dHZrAL66NPZpPhhGJkA8Ps3bQwJy6Vm6Ri2kV-bJhCh~QUjvxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District budget staff explained to the budget committee why parts of the district's reserves cannot be used to cover recurring staff costs and why unappropriated ending fund balance is not available for routine spending.

Why it matters: Community members had asked whether rainy-day or contingency funds could be tapped to preserve programs or staff. Staff detailed legal and policy constraints that limit the district's ability to move reserve dollars into ongoing payroll expenses.

Main details: Lauren, district budget staff, said the \"unappropriated ending fund balance\" is governed by state law and \"is not accessible\" in a fiscal year except in very narrow circumstances noted in the local budget manual, such as declared natural disaster or civil disturbance. She explained that two other reserve categories (contingency and discretionary reserves) exist but are intended for one-time costs, not recurring staffing expenses.

On the mechanics of using reserves: Staff said the budget committee can propose changes to appropriation lines, but changing an expenditure without a corresponding revenue source would not be a balanced budget. Even if the committee recommended using contingency funds, the board would have to authorize use and staff must follow contract and policy constraints. \"You can increase the appropriation here, but what the budget committee would need to do would also be to increase a corresponding revenue line,\" Lauren said.

Replenishment plan: Staff said the superintendent would be required to present a replenishment plan if reserves were accessed. \"The superintendent has 3 years, and they have to present their plan... and they have to replenish the amount within 3 years,\" Lauren said. Committee members and staff discussed the compounding effect of using reserves in multiple years if revenues remain flat while expenditures rise.

Investments and earnings: Committee members asked whether reserve dollars are invested or sit idle. Staff said the district pools cash and invests excess dollars to match cash flow; the budget proposes $1,820,000 in earnings on investments for the year.

Community questions remain: Committee members emphasized community concerns that reserves could be used to save specific programs. Staff reiterated that using reserves for recurring costs would not remove contractual obligations or guarantee preservation of particular positions because union layoff/recall language and board authority determine staffing outcomes.

Ending: Staff asked the committee to treat use of reserves as a board-level and policy-level decision rather than a unilateral committee action. \"The budget committee themselves doesn't actually have the authority to approve that we access the rainy day,\" Lauren said.","Budget staff told the committee that the district's unappropriated ending fund balance is restricted by state law and largely inaccessible for operating staff costs; other reserves can be used for one-time emergencies but not recurring payroll without board action and adherence to contract rules.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226628,"Corvallis budget committee approves $182.6 million 2025–26 budget; levies set",6844,968000,7812000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e&start=968&end=7812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3504294-0189f9f051e390a3d66b8bd1960d6d5e/thumbnail_968000.jpg","/articles/6226628/Oregon/Corvallis-budget-committee-approves-1826-million-202526-budget-levies-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226628-dc5b6aab49710cfce303811811b2b172/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012871&Signature=ZszPg-F5E9oxp8cyMky7s5Lq9n0EhjNIkRuUhSf9COPnJUtiD0Ls6xEAZ97GkwP7B3PEZbSITl-9ggKADXvrEnUj4PU2tQl0xYQn2kHmqNxFwlWW-FwZqW8hzJ7gXwqL9nnCszWcpvICM~QVkHXXHVJ3YqF~je1WDlrc6qRVzU~4Vud4WPZYPY9TkE3d778A08Epi2NfOtw3IbP6UjQQJALfsGqTXsX-3agYkTkyN~rHv1Ku8T0IFdxsInk4brqUHfXJAVFZYlGTo3W4krunlRQgQAH6U-dpuxJBPz67afWQiDVEjRmQ2A5zIWpD12~L5DDDihZk2N0tZDDCA7Q5aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Corvallis School District budget committee approved a $182,599,185 budget for 2025–26 and set the district's tax levies during a meeting of the committee.

The action included a motion to adopt the all-funds budget and a separate motion to levy taxes: a permanent operating rate of $4.4614 per $1,000 of assessed value, a local option levy of $1.50 per $1,000 and a bonded-debt levy amounting to $16,928,011 for debt service.

Why it matters: The budget and levy actions determine the district's authorized spending and the tax rates that will appear on property tax statements. Committee and public discussion leading up to the vote focused on reserves, program reductions and the district's ability to maintain services if state revenues decline.

Most important facts: Budget committee member Judah moved to approve \"the Corvallis School District budget for 2025–26 in the aggregate amount of $182,599,185 for all funds.\" The motion was seconded by Cassandra Inman. The roll call recorded 11 yes votes and one abstention; the chair summarized the outcome as passing. The separate motion to levy the permanent and local option rates and the bonded-debt tax passed by roll call 12–0.

Staff explained that the appropriation authorizes spending beginning July 1, and that district staff cannot issue payments without an adopted appropriation. Lauren, district budget staff, told the committee the district would be unable to pay bills or issue payroll without the appropriation: \"I cannot issue a payment without the authorization to do so from the board.\" The committee and staff also discussed the consequences of receiving a lower state allocation and the district's requirement to present a replenishment plan if rainy-day funds are accessed.

The committee discussion acknowledged community concerns about program reductions, particularly in arts and music, but members emphasized the limits of the committee's authority: moving money in the adopted budget or recommending use of contingency does not itself guarantee restoration of positions or programs because union contracts and board decisions determine staffing outcomes.

What happens next: With the appropriation and levies adopted, district staff will implement the budget and monitor revenue and expenditures through the year. Staff said they will bring updates to the board if actual revenues deviate from the assumptions used to build the budget.

Note on process and responsibility: Committee members and staff repeatedly noted that the budget committee can recommend changes to appropriation lines but does not have unilateral authority to direct staffing or to authorize use of reserved funds; that authority rests with the school board and applicable policy or contract requirements.","The Corvallis School District budget committee voted to approve a $182,599,185 budget for 2025–26 and approved tax levies for operations, local option and bonded debt. The vote passed after public and committee discussion about reserves, staffing and program priorities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Budget committee, staff clarify authority: committee cannot unilaterally restore positions or spend without appropriation

District demographer data: multifamily units produce fewer students than single-family; affordable housing yields higher child generation rates

Committee hears community concern as music minutes and FTE are reduced; cost to restore estimated at roughly $550,000

District staff explain limits on using reserves: unappropriated funds largely inaccessible

Corvallis budget committee approves $182.6 million 2025–26 budget; levies set