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Public health leaders warn fee increases or county aid needed to avoid cuts after FY26 planning
Summary
Deschutes County Public Health presented a plan at the Jan. 27 retreat that would close much of a projected $1.8 million shortfall through clinic closures, vacancy savings and possible environmental-health fee increases; staff urged commissioners to consider short-term county support or preserves video-lottery allocations to avoid staff cuts.
Deschutes County Public Health managers told commissioners Jan. 27 that the department faces a roughly $1.8 million total funding gap going into fiscal year 2026 and outlined options to close it, including program reductions, fee increases in environmental health, and one-time county support.
Public Health Deputy Director Heather Kaiser summarized the department's planning work: "we met as managers, public health managers. We had a retreat 2 weeks ago and really looked at our budget for where we know that today, based on what Charlotte has given us, where we can find additional savings this fiscal year heading into next fiscal year." Kaiser and Business Officer Cheryl Smallman said the department has already taken steps this year,…
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