Lane County outlines public-safety funding challenge, plans polling and community outreach

County administrators told the Lane County Board on Nov. 18 that a long decline in federal timber and Secure Rural Schools funding has left the county with fewer resources to fund public safety and infrastructure, and outlined next steps to gather public input on revenue options.

The county administrator said the County once received inflation‑adjusted funding that could total roughly $40 million more than current levels and described a nearly 90% decline in federal funding cited by the task force. Staff summarized the task force's four broad recommendations: improve efficiency, prioritize services, consider a payroll tax as a mechanism for new dedicated revenue, and explore formation of a special district for public safety.

To test public sentiment, administrators reported they have engaged a polling firm and plan to field a representative survey after Thanksgiving and before the end of December. The board scheduled a two‑hour work session for Dec. 3 to receive an overview from the sheriff and the district attorney on funding strains and will meet in January and February to review poll results and narrow options based on community engagement. Sheriff Carl Wilkerson described the poll as a "temperature test" and reminded the board that prior enhanced rural patrol funding bought three deputies and a sergeant for 911 response countywide.

Commissioners emphasized urgency but also counselled careful preparation and messaging: repeated polling and clear explanation of what new revenue would fund may be necessary before placing measures before voters. Staff said the county will continue community engagement January–March 2026 and then return to the board with refined recommendations.

Next procedural steps: Dec. 3 work session, polling results review in January–February, and additional community engagement in early 2026.