On Wednesday, June 17, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2027 budget, a balanced financial plan that supports the County’s long-term financial stability.
For the second year in a row, county staff used a limited-growth strategy to develop the FY 2027 budget. This approach challenged departments across the organization to control costs and protect core services while balancing ongoing pressure from inflation, rising personnel costs, uncertainty in state and federal funding, and the needs of our growing community.
“I am proud of the time and care departments put into preparing budgets to meet the goals of our limited-growth strategy,” County Administrator Nick Lelack said. “Even in these challenging times, county staff stayed focused on protecting essential services, being careful stewards of taxpayer dollars, and planning for the years ahead.”
To meet budget goals, departments implemented a range of cost-saving measures, including a hiring pause, delayed capital projects, partnerships, workflow improvements, and exploration of alternative revenue sources. Some departments also made the difficult decision to eliminate full-time equivalent positions, with 32 vacant positions eliminated during the current fiscal year and more reductions planned in FY 2027.
The FY 2027 operating budget is $446.1 million. This is a $9.8 million, or 2.2% increase from the current fiscal year’s revised budget. It maintains the high-quality, foundational services the community relies on, including public safety, health services, community justice, property assessment, tax collection, elections and veterans’ services.
Despite financial pressure, the FY 2027 budget continues to provide critical resources for key county projects. These include constructing a youth behavioral health facility, siting a new county landfill, expanding waste diversion programs, maintaining and improving the county road system, partnering with cities to support people experiencing homelessness, and continuing wildfire preparedness work.
Fiscal year 2027 begins July 1, 2026.
