[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6461034,"mediaKeyId","5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469","parentId",5825983,"title","Deschutes County outlines 2026 legislative priorities as state budget uncertainty grows","audioSeconds",201,"startMs",1550000,"endMs",1751000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469&start=1550&end=1751","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469/thumbnail_1550000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461034/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Deschutes-County-outlines-2026-legislative-priorities-as-state-budget-uncertainty-grows","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461034-f6780a06c094a85039ebb22fe7d84377/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495506&Signature=SdRfT262ts0nHxMN7oejSSooot9nYn1RUZHw-JEhyxJpS1badygfHRKLXHJJgvhY7UXbsu1uQWnxC5MXtirHe9p6rwrTNwTeHdp1CoFYPcBDV6M7kANnRdA35PVDHz~kby2aDiewjpj4M~k93NIfV80N7BFzIZThICBsYo8OjnCMbHmNfe0YVk-cc01ph~qb1eW-vq6hMA~PLthSHqM3026l25z8lzvExgCLqdM2zgbu-znqXlEJEha~jjsdj552562c4HG4f-CAyUdLDo2KdqTbRrXEytEj62FADraww6diS92IcO64JXGfFyWO8GzL1FddXvQpfGiYQ5r9BPG72Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Deschutes County, OR","date","2025-09-24T19:12:24.547Z","article","Deschutes County commissioners and staff spent the bulk of their Sept. 24 meeting reviewing priorities to press with the Central Oregon legislative delegation ahead of the 2026 short session, scheduled Feb. 2–March 9, 2026. County staff urged focusing on community corrections funding tied to the long‑overdue state cost study, behavioral health workforce and service‑delivery fixes, transportation funding and public‑health modernization.

The county’s strategic initiatives manager, Jen Patterson, and legislative liaison Doug Riggs summarized conversations with Central Oregon legislators and county department heads. Riggs said the state is working with a sharply reduced revenue forecast — an $800 million downward revision since March, with some analysts forecasting a $1.2–1.5 billion shortfall for the next biennium — and that legislators are prioritizing behavioral health, community corrections and transportation in early planning. Riggs noted limits in the short session (two bills per legislator, five per committee) that will force tighter prioritization.

Why it matters: county leaders said accelerating demand for behavioral health care, rising costs in community corrections and an uncertain transportation package could directly affect local budgets and services. County staff asked the board to authorize ongoing outreach to the delegation and to coordinate regionally with neighboring counties on shared asks, particularly for community corrections and safety improvements on Highway 97.

Key details from the discussion:
- Community corrections: County staff and Justice System managers reported a gap between the state’s funding level and the cited cost of “doing it right.” Staff said the state funds adult supervision at roughly $15 per supervised person per day while program accounting estimates the cost of adequate daily supervision at about $18.18; that mismatch is projected to create roughly a $1 million shortfall for the county by the end of the fiscal year. Staff reported 5.75 existing vacant community‑corrections positions eliminated and another 1–3 positions at risk if funding is not improved, increasing caseloads and supervisory pressure. County lobbyists and other counties are collaborating to quantify downstream costs from underfunding to present to Ways and Means. (Evidence: county staff comments and figures during the legislative priorities presentation.)
- Behavioral health: County health staff and behavioral health partners described continuing concerns about access to high‑acuity youth psychiatric beds, administrative burden in getting state money promptly to counties, and workforce shortages. Holly Harris, interim health director, said the county is negotiating a new financial assistance agreement with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and has sought a short contract extension while local plans are finalized (see separate article on the OHA amendment). Staff emphasized the need for faster state timelines for releasing funds and clearer accountability to get grants and provider payments into local systems quickly.
- Transportation: Riggs briefed commissioners on the recent special session activity and the transportation package. He said the Senate vote on the package had been delayed for medical reasons but was expected to proceed; commissioners were warned the package could face a citizen referral and that certain local capital projects (for example, safety projects along Highway 97 and a La Pine overpass) will not be covered by the short bill unless the next transport conversation explicitly includes those mega‑projects. County leaders discussed coordinating a regional Highway 97 coalition with Jefferson and Klamath counties to jointly pursue future capital funding.
- Workforce and training: Commissioners and staff flagged workforce development as a cross‑cutting need — behavioral health workforce, technical trades programs such as welding and construction pathways in local schools, and re‑training tied to anticipated industry layoffs.
- Shelter funding and safe‑parking: County staff and community partners described state recognition of safe parking as an eligible shelter category but noted the state’s initial operations funding will prioritize existing, formerly state‑funded shelters; safe parking programs may therefore be overlooked unless the county pursues separate funding or advocacy at Salem. County staff also reported interest in managed camps and long‑term visitor area models as lower‑cost shelter options and noted coordination with city partners on an RFP for an operator for managed‑camp operations.

Funding and timing notes: Riggs reminded the board that legislative concept drafts are due Nov. 21, 2025, and that the short session’s limited bill slots intensify competition. He also warned that federal budget stalemates and potential federal program adjustments (Medicaid/SNAP) could further constrain state revenue and program funding.

What’s next: Commissioners asked staff to continue meeting with the Central Oregon delegation, coordinate with neighboring counties in regional caucuses and work with the Association of Oregon Counties on a shared agenda. The board directed staff to present specifics at upcoming district and AOC meetings and to return with suggested priorities for any formal county positions or letters.

Ending: Commissioners said they supported continuing the outreach and requested staff return with costed requests where possible so legislators can see local fiscal impacts and potential return on investment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","09/24/2025 - Board of Commissioners - Wednesday Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","County staff and commissioners identified community corrections funding, behavioral health, transportation and workforce development as top priorities for the 2026 short legislative session amid a deteriorating state revenue forecast and possible federal funding disruptions.","taxTitle","Deschutes County, Oregon","taxId",2763,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461020,"Board approves extension of Oregon Health Authority behavioral‑health agreement while county finalizes local plan",204,6556000,6760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469&start=6556&end=6760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469/thumbnail_6556000.jpg","/articles/6461020/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Board-approves-extension-of-Oregon-Health-Authority-behavioralhealth-agreement-while-county-finalizes-local-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461020-d2e60af6c33ef703e198dfa0fdb87dfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495506&Signature=D89KfR6sYvJJm5egO1G9si6LZAADH7I~MmijZKxE1PTl6qe3SxvYGJRM30JpdlGbPseh37uDyCxD4JvOrJTou4ZKPViEq-8-F1Vs9Z3JrFjm3cukYv7xz0Txenx8QidKQbQyWFNQLA-farwUlcAtdXJcI~b8au5E7tTZ26aobc4aia~GWD8fy5qQQLeUkBatImyJPaCI8JVpH2PIPJc9mgVvsm~rfsXg3Gn6NYxrK4VprJO2GVP4z-WF4ONEunFgwISdsbf7iy~DP4nJf9E1zW6nCYbHYb7Y7MuGAmWD51x33XyMEhxDwN5qBq5rB83p0BU4kVf2RQnSZSmMdzTZaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board approved an amendment to the county’s Oregon Health Authority (OHA) financial assistance agreement for behavioral health services that extends the current contract through Dec. 31, 2025. County staff sought the extension to allow additional time to negotiate contract language and complete a required county “local plan” before signing a longer replacement contract.

Holly Harris, interim health director, told the board counties around the state raised two concerns in negotiations: removal of “subject to availability of funds” language for four high‑priority populations (aid‑and‑assist, Psychiatric Security Review Board/PSRB, civil commitment and crisis populations), and a prioritization structure that could force counties to divert money from upstream preventive services to cover those four groups if state funding falls short. To avoid locking counties into contract language that might unintentionally force service reductions, OHA and county representatives agreed to a six‑month extension to continue negotiations while local plans are drafted and reviewed. A draft of Deschutes County’s local plan was due Oct. 1 with a final by December.

Why it matters: The extension preserves continuity of behavioral‑health funding while staff and OHA resolve language and process issues. County leaders said they want to protect preventive community services even as state and judicial pressure around inpatient aid‑and‑assist cases grows.

Board action: The board voted to authorize the chair to sign document 2025‑768 (the OHA amendment) extending the existing OHA agreement through Dec. 31, 2025. Commissioners asked staff to return with highlights of the draft local plan before finalizing a longer contract.

Ending: County staff said they will continue to work with the Association of Oregon Counties and peer counties on contract language and will brief the board before any multi‑year contract is presented for adoption.","Deschutes County authorized a contract amendment to extend its existing OHA behavioral‑health financial assistance agreement through Dec. 31, 2025, giving staff time to complete a local plan while negotiating contract language about fund availability and priority populations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461025,"Deschutes County adopts updated outdoor lighting standards (\"dark skies\")",178,4980000,5158000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469&start=4980&end=5158","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469/thumbnail_4980000.jpg","/articles/6461025/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Deschutes-County-adopts-updated-outdoor-lighting-standards-dark-skies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461025-fbb9e90931f3152573f3c9552c45e8d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495506&Signature=Gtaa-fq2bV~Jmm1tZSh6t3ix4EP~0~~djoesTmuEKSwdZ9sXsnKJlvNGbYDvKBncJSgzevo9mIo5GPonM8NGBco72d3apWeKqPmB4hQUyNvX7vVve1s5Wk~5TJYU7hpGMoFoY09~qJwORv7xc~Stjttb9rqA4eaxIA7l-iTPa9veR2l2L2L7UNspSqSOFGV1NWaXL5mc1vvKkYmqIPiDPrZphnizIhw7-ISsXZUFPN7kDnWDM7oP32sRGCfwW3ZwYViUnAcbO0DskMX08WL~5TlePMhKgYVJg8O4jNMa2tzTzyNyx38AgPudZAMCYImpMvBS55MovBegxIaMA~LtyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners adopted ordinance number 2025‑018 at second reading on Sept. 24, amending county code Title 15 to update outdoor lighting control standards commonly described as a \"dark skies\" ordinance. Planning staff said the text amendments clarify fixture standards, add updated enforcement language and expand the allowed seasonal holiday lighting window to include the Thanksgiving period as requested during deliberations.

Will Groves, planning manager, briefed commissioners. He said the changes modernize the county’s outdoor lighting controls, align with dark‑sky best practices and include a phased compliance timeline for fixtures that will require replacement or shielding. The ordinance passed on a voice vote following a motion and second; commissioners said staff had worked through prior public hearing comments and recommended the updated language.

Why it matters: Planning staff said improved lighting standards reduce light pollution and protect nighttime ecosystems and observatory viewing while providing a reasonable compliance schedule for property owners. The ordinance includes code enforcement options for non‑compliant fixtures after the phased compliance period.

Ending: The board directed staff to notify affected permit applicants and begin the phased compliance outreach program.","The Board adopted Ordinance 2025-018 updating outdoor lighting control standards, extending allowed seasonal holiday lighting dates and setting a multi-year compliance timeline for certain fixtures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461030,"Deschutes County approves PERS side account, commits $5 million to secure state match",646,5466000,6112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469&start=5466&end=6112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469/thumbnail_5466000.jpg","/articles/6461030/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Deschutes-County-approves-PERS-side-account-commits-5-million-to-secure-state-match","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461030-913fe10f3f59dbf14e8e7a24078c6804/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495506&Signature=QkSQhCkz0Pb-PVvU~De5JFXjl2DAK9MUI86mx2k2lBCTWrxAukaX7U3YBQdlbJ0k5UozDmydrL97PwvfvvUplFPEuLntj~Zd-HSQebWtFoTjCNogoBHevpFGHQ5iBrxrfLcuV9phW0Y2lvSG-mIbvGkipX~vKP4E4uFOTFu~f6a4qGKzmn-Mgb8Fb742Dvf8KonOw~CvH0QXmcwcJ9eUNc0sspU89bJmF42dnT2TiDjV9fPopDH-yHmUMojs-zbidHdAW-wpaKYNvDx-DQ4XoTAbMmIgy9gz6VH3DrNFOkEpuSCNkY4TpI~yrafoLyvvp1iNe1ZgcT9IAvJXndJrKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deschutes County commissioners voted Sept. 24 to establish a PERS side account by depositing $5,000,000 from the county PERS reserve fund to receive a 25% match from the State of Oregon (a $1,250,000 state contribution). County staff said the deposit would be amortized over 20 years and reduce future employer PERS rates; staff presented an estimated $10.3 million gross rate relief over the 20‑year period tied to a 0.39% credit in the current projection.

Robert Tinto, the county’s chief financial officer, and Cam Sparks, budget and financial planning manager, explained the mechanics and history of side accounts. Tinto summarized the county’s two existing side accounts: a 2004 deposit that has produced significant rate relief and a 2020 deposit ($13 million from the county plus a state employer incentive match at the time) that currently yields a roughly 1.5% reduction in employer rates. Tinto said PERS amortization re‑calculates each biennium as the remaining balance declines and that credits change over time; the proposed new account would expire after 20 years and be re‑amortized on that schedule.

Why it matters: staff said establishing a side account now offers an above‑market match from the state while the county holds cash in its PERS reserve; staff argued the match and historical earnings on side‑account investments make the transaction fiscally advantageous compared with investing the same cash in the county’s more conservative portfolio.

Key figures presented in the meeting:
- County deposit requested: $5,000,000 (from PERS reserve).
- State match: $1,250,000 (25%).
- Projected credit on employer PERS rates (initial projection): ~0.39% producing an estimated $10.3 million in savings over the amortization period.
- The county’s total portfolio balance and PERS reserve balance were discussed; staff said $5.0M was available in the PERS reserve at the time of the vote.

Board action: a motion to establish the PERS side account and accept the 25% state match was moved and seconded, and commissioners voted to approve the measure. County staff noted that the match program’s availability depends on state funding and that a waiting list can exist for future opportunities.

Ending: Commissioners said they viewed the vote as building on long‑term management choices and previous boards’ decisions that created the reserve; staff will complete the side‑account paperwork and submit it to PERS for finalization.","The board voted to establish a PERS side account using $5 million from county reserves to receive a 25% state match, a move county staff said should lower employer contribution rates over time and yield estimated lifetime savings.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461015,"Treasurer: county portfolio yields rise to 4.22%; monthly investment income tops $1M amid growing economic risk",1359,3900000,5259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469&start=3900&end=5259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825983-3c80afde24911aca73b8520b1fc5e469/thumbnail_3900000.jpg","/articles/6461015/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Treasurer-county-portfolio-yields-rise-to-422-monthly-investment-income-tops-1M-amid-growing-economic-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461015-3fe761b64bb089c569370420427ed125/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495506&Signature=Jb-NA~c9Ng2sKlJnKfmafsHIGFMIznQXw2Y3IUBfqEhbnrrRml7sXDWw~48e5NnKzQ1U3qH~m5d9Fbip7saXzmvr4dOtdXr4KzOaqK8rLYJ07PhZwO5UO1dSOEv9RgbhSwYQWkfiHFtfMoV3QS-KNDZeRYA8rlQzwc9OwhiN7oju5atNZF7FJvQt3pEqSoe~Bx6Mtc6mYUWCwyhGzKjnYNdtfTUEGNCMOFZKeCPPD1xGu~yLX157GUDp9srxLHvhYEeNX6-RniQ9RHa9IBeX1b~K~uRP0A9uVHXfKqCbhq324u4siCpYETIbVdxZ898rruzv-pCZyqRKJ0u2F~RZUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Treasurer Bill (name used in the meeting) briefed commissioners Sept. 24 on the August investment and finance reports, reporting a portfolio balance of roughly $302 million at month end and $1,023,000 in net investment earnings for August. The county’s weighted portfolio yield rose to 4.22% for the month after staff redeployed about $18 million in maturing low‑yield investments into higher‑yield debt with maturities concentrated around April–August 2028.

Why it matters: the county’s investment returns have materially improved from recent years, providing near‑term revenue to support county services; staff cautioned these gains come as the federal and state fiscal outlooks become more uncertain.

Highlights and risks described:
- Portfolio balance (Aug. 31, 2025): approximately $302,000,000; net investment earnings for August: $1,023,000 (about $7,000 lower than July but $212,000 higher than a year ago).
- Short‑term liquidity rates: LGIP (Local Government Investment Pool) held at 4.6%; First Interstate Bank accounts at about 4.25%.
- Investment strategy: staff are staging a three‑year maturity ladder, with a weighted term to maturity near 1.11 years and a maximum maturity around three years; staff said they redeployed $14–18 million of low‑yield redemptions to investments maturing 2028 to capture higher rates.
- Economic risks: Treasurer noted the possibility of a U.S. federal funding lapse if Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution by Sept. 30, recent Fed rate decisions, a weak August payroll report (22,000 new jobs) and ongoing tariff uncertainty — all factors that could affect yields and county cash flows.
- Local indicators: in Deschutes County, building permit counts and median home prices showed mixed signals: Bend median single‑family price cited near $769,000 in August; Redmond activity showing increased permits and rising median price.

Board reaction: commissioners thanked staff for higher returns but emphasized the need to remain conservative and maintain liquidity amid an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop.

Ending: Treasurer and finance staff said they would continue to manage redemptions and ladder maturities, report back monthly on portfolio performance and flag any material changes that could affect the county’s operating revenue.","Deschutes County Treasurer reported a $302 million portfolio balance, a 4.22% weighted portfolio yield and $1,023,000 in net investment earnings for August; staff cautioned about economic risks including a possible federal government shutdown and changing Fed policy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Deschutes County outlines 2026 legislative priorities as state budget uncertainty grows

Board approves extension of Oregon Health Authority behavioral‑health agreement while county finalizes local plan

Deschutes County adopts updated outdoor lighting standards ("dark skies")

Deschutes County approves PERS side account, commits $5 million to secure state match

Treasurer: county portfolio yields rise to 4.22%; monthly investment income tops $1M amid growing economic risk