Commissioners used their reports segment to urge public attention to county finances and to highlight local projects and events.

A commissioner summarized onboarding meetings and outreach in their first week and asked residents to engage as the county enters budget season. They noted participation in a search-and-rescue awards dinner and said discussions with county leadership had been constructive.

Separately, a commissioner warned the county faces a projected general-fund shortfall of roughly $7 million for the coming budget cycle and said a balanced budget under current revenue would require approximately a 32% reduction in general-fund allocations to departments that rely on those dollars. The speaker said previous practice of offsetting general-fund obligations with road funds was not sustainable as road fund balances decline; they urged evaluation of that practice.

Commissioners also described community projects: a Lake Ewana waterfront wellness project — including a conceptual footbridge and gazebo design being developed in partnership with Oregon Tech engineering students — and the county’s fourth annual economic summit, scheduled for the coming week with a $10 admission. The board also reported restructuring work with the South Central Oregon Economic Development District and noted a new museum director.

Meeting remarks emphasized the need for public attention to budget priorities and invited citizen input as the board prepares budget guidance for the next fiscal year.