Oregon Department of Corrections outlines $2.6B budget and operational adjustments

The recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety highlighted the Oregon Department of Corrections' proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, totaling approximately $2.64 billion. This budget reflects a slight decrease of 1.1% from the current service level, primarily due to changes in mandated forecasts.

The budget encompasses 4,822 positions, with nearly all funding sourced from the general fund. The operations division, which is a significant part of this budget, has been allocated over $1.24 billion, supporting 3,274 positions. A key concern raised during the meeting was the backlog of off-site care visits, prompting a $4.8 million package aimed at hiring additional transport officers to manage hospital trips and provide necessary supervision.

Another critical topic was the review of long-term vacant positions, leading to the abolition of 13 positions across the agency, including 11 from the operations division. This move is a response to declining inmate populations, particularly affecting facilities like the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institute.

The meeting also addressed the impact of mandated caseload adjustments, which resulted in a reduction of $14.7 million in general fund allocations and the elimination of 92 positions. These adjustments reflect a shift in the agency's needs, as the anticipated opening of the Deer Ridge facility in Madras is no longer necessary due to decreased inmate numbers.

In addition to operational concerns, the Central Administration and Administrative Services divisions presented their budgets, which included funding for IT modernization projects and preparatory work for the potential replacement of the Oregon State Penitentiary. The latter initiative is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to assess the needs of geriatric inmates and the feasibility of a specialized medical facility.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored the Department of Corrections' efforts to adapt to changing circumstances while addressing critical operational needs. As the budget moves forward, the implications of these decisions will be closely monitored, particularly regarding their impact on public safety and the management of correctional facilities in Oregon.