Multnomah County approves proposed FY 2026 budget for TSCC review amid public concern over cuts

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 on May 8 to approve a resolution transmitting Chair Vega Peterson’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission (TSCC) for review. Commissioner Singleton moved the resolution and Commissioner Moyer seconded it; Commissioners Moyer, Singleton, Jones Dixon and Chair Vega Peterson voted yes and Commissioner Brim Edwards voted no.

County Budget Director Christian Elkin and Jeff Renfro of the budget office presented an overview of the proposal to commissioners and the public before the vote. Elkin told the board the approval is a required step in the Oregon local budget process and begins a five‑week period of department work sessions and hearings leading to final adoption. “This is an exciting day,” Elkin said during the presentation.

The proposed $4.0 billion total county budget includes about $3.0 billion in operating spending; the package before the board implements roughly $25.7 million in general‑fund reductions and includes 5,866 full‑time equivalents, the presenters said. The budget office reported $62.3 million in one‑time funds, corporate reserves of about $77.8 million (roughly 12% of corporate revenues), and contingency set‑asides including $21.1 million tied to business income tax volatility and a $1.7 million one‑time uncertainty set‑aside.