At the second meeting of the Budget Committee held on April 30, 2015, the Committee approved a revised budget proposal. With 11 of 14 Committee members present, there was no dissent when the presiding officer called for the vote to modify and approve the proposed budget.
The next opportunity to comment on the budget in person will be at a public hearing to be held on May 19, 2015 at 3:30 pm in the District’s conference room. Please contact the District’s Manager if you would like to provide comment before May 19.
Following the public hearing, the District’s Board of Directors will consider adopting the budget at their regular meeting on May 19 at 4:00 pm.
Significant budget items
Clackamas Conservation Fund maintained
The District is pleased to be able to continue funding implementation of conservation practices by and for landowners. The District also provides partner support grants to various organizations that do work that helps advance the District’s mission and goals. The Conservation Fund has been a successful mechanism for setting aside and applying funds to on-the-ground conservation opportunities.
WeedWise Program continued
The approved budget also continues our focus on managing invasive species, coordinating resources across various organizations, and educating people about invaders. This is intensive, demanding work that continues to grow in scope and complexity. Working to control invasive weeds is a commitment the District made when a permanent tax base was sought, and we continue to fulfill that promise.
Tax levy at maximum approved by voters
The permanent tax limit approved by voters is 5 cents per $1,000. For the FY 2015-2016 budget as approved by the Budget Committee, the District anticipates imposing a 5 cents per $1,000 tax levy. This amount is not sufficient to fund all of the program services the District wishes to provide so we are actively seeking additional partners and sponsors.
What’s next?
The District’s Board of Directors will hold a budget hearing on the budget as approved by the Committee. Any person may comment on the approved budget at the hearing.
After the hearing, the Board of Directors can change the budget estimates and the tax levy approved by the Budget Committee. However, if the Board increases the tax by any amount, or if the Board increases expenditures in any fund by 10% or more, the District must republish the amended budget summary and hold another budget hearing.
The deadline for the Board of Directors to enact a resolution that adopts the budget, makes appropriations, imposes tax levies, and categorizes each tax is June 30, 2015.