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Budget committee warns state forecast cuts could shrink resources; district keeps conservative plan
Summary
Committee heard a May 14 state forecast showing roughly $8.8 billion less over the biennium, prompting the district to hold to a conservative budget assumption and preserve an ending fund balance to avoid immediate cuts.
Denise (district staff) and the budget committee were told the Oregon May 14 revenue forecast came in far weaker than expected, with the chair saying the state expects "about $8,800,000,000 less over the biennium than what they were hoping for." The committee was cautioned that while education funding may be protected, other proposed increases are unlikely.
The committee agreed to continue budgeting at the previously recommended rate (11.36) rather than assume the more optimistic scenarios. "It would not be a good idea, for instance, to budget on 11," the chair said, arguing a conservative approach preserves flexibility. Committee members emphasized maintaining an ending fund balance of roughly one to two months of payroll to avoid sudden layoffs or emergency cuts if revenues fall further.
