Treasurer warns of $322,000 shortfall; clerk seeks permanent part-time staff and assessor seeks foreclosure legal support

Treasurer Melanie Lasley told the Lake County Board of Commissioners on April 8 that the county’s proposed budget was about $322,000 “upside down” and asked the Board to consider a spending freeze to help close the gap. She said department heads should consult their commissioner liaisons before making significant purchases or scheduling new travel.

Lasley presented Budget Resolution 2024-09 to allocate $34,058.41 in unanticipated funds for the Assessor and Clerk Departments. She linked part of the budget pressure to the need for outside foreclosure legal support proposed by Assessor Linda Hopper, who said the Assessor’s Office is four years behind in foreclosure processing and recommended contracting with Bair Law, LLC (Klamath Falls) while building some in-house capacity.

County Clerk Amy Hutchinson requested a permanent part-time position, saying an expiring grant that finances current hours ends June 30 and, without the hire, the office would fall below state-mandated minimum staffing. Hutchinson said passport assistance remains optional and revenue-generating, but core clerk duties cannot be deferred; she estimated she would have to work roughly 60 hours per week if the position is not authorized. Business Director Nicki Alves said even with a new permanent hire there would still be a need for shared clerical hours.

Commissioners did not take final action during the work session; Treasurer Lasley asked staff to place the related resolutions and staffing requests on the regular-session agenda for formal consideration.

The Board discussed the administrative challenge of balancing statutory duties, limited staffing, and an constrained budget while prioritizing essential services.