Clatsop County presents proposed $116.3 million 2025–26 budget with $14 million BRIC pass-through

Clatsop County officials on April 30 presented a proposed $116.3 million budget for fiscal year 2025–26 that assumes a $14,000,000 federal BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) pass-through grant for a disaster‑mitigation project with Columbia Memorial Hospital, projects roughly 4% assessed‑value growth, and includes planned reductions of about seven full‑time equivalent positions.

County staff delivered the budget message at the first 2025 budget committee meeting, saying the proposed plan balances projected revenues and expenditures for 2025–26 while maintaining a general‑fund reserve above the county’s stated policy targets. "The total proposed budget, excluding the four service districts, is approximately $116,300,000," said Andy Sullivan, a county budget presenter. Staff emphasized the BRIC pass‑through is not yet guaranteed and would flow through the county to Columbia Memorial Hospital if awarded.

The budget message explained why staff included the BRIC grant in the proposed totals: the county is serving as a conduit for federal pass‑through funds tied to a mitigation project. Monica (staff member) told the committee, "If the funds don't come in, they don't get passed through; that $14,000,000 is never received. The $14,000,000 is never spent." Committee members pressed for clarity about the grant’s uncertainty and were told that, if the grant is not awarded, the county will not record or spend those funds.

Why it matters: county leaders said the budget is designed to keep reserves at…