Jackson County adopts $699.5 million budget, approves full permanent tax rate

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget of $699,473,765 and 964.43 full‑time equivalent positions on June 3, approving Order No. 131-26 after a public hearing that drew no speakers.

County Administrator Danny Jordan told the board the Budget Committee met in April and approved the recommended budget by Order No. 95-26; the adopted budget reflects that recommendation and would impose the county’s full permanent rate limit of $2.0099 per $1,000 of assessed value. In accordance with Oregon Revised Statute 294.438, the required notice and summary were published before the hearing, and Benton read the county’s public-hearing rules prior to opening the floor.

Commissioner Colleen Roberts moved to approve Order No. 131-26 as read; Commissioner Randy Sparacino seconded the motion and Commissioners Roberts, Sparacino and Chair Rick Dyer voted aye. No members of the public addressed the board during the hearing, which opened and closed at 9:55 a.m.

Why it matters: the adopted budget sets county spending priorities and staffing levels for services ranging from roads and parks to community justice and administrative functions. The budget and the decision to impose the full permanent rate limit will affect property taxpayers across Jackson County beginning with the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026.

What the budget includes: at the hearing staff referenced the Budget Committee’s prior approval of $699,473,765 and the associated 964.43 FTEs. The board may make adjustments to the Budget Committee‑approved figures within the 10 percent limit set by ORS 294.456; no such adjustments were made during the June 3 meeting.

Next steps: the budget becomes effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. Routine implementation and departmental budget execution will be managed by county staff; the board did not direct additional study or contingency items at the meeting.