Today, the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District’s budget officer released the proposed budget and the budget message for fiscal year 2018-2019 (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019).
Because the District receives a voter-approved property tax levy, we are required to follow Oregon Local Budget Law in the development, approval, and adoption of the annual budget.
Following is the summary message delivered to the Budget Committee on March 30, 2018 by the budget officer. The complete budget message and the proposed budget as provided to the Budget Committee can be downloaded below.
Budget Message Summary
The District is funded by a property tax levy
In 2006, voters authorized a property tax levy to fund our services to Clackamas County constituents.
We are doing the things we promised voters we would do
We are helping people conserve our vital natural resources in many different landscapes in Clackamas County.
We are recognized as a regional leader in conservation
Our work is widely recognized throughout the region by citizens, elected officials, agencies, and partners. Our people participate at all levels in Oregon’s conservation delivery system.
Our financial operations are sound and transparent
Audits of the District have been good and our internal controls assure the safety of public funds under our care. We operate transparently and welcome public participation.
Budgeting balances revenues and expenditures to meet the District’s goals
The budget shows what it costs to operate the District, to deliver services to our constituents, and to invest in long-term conservation actions. It shows how we plan to invest funds in on-the-ground conservation actions that align with the District’s conservation priorities.
We face fewer unknowns than in the prior budget cycle
The proposed budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 has more certainty about some costs than we had at this time last year.
We maintain staffing to assure high-quality service delivery
Additions to staff were made in fiscal year 2016-2017, and for fiscal year 2018-2019, we maintain this level of staffing.
Indebtedness related to long-term conservation and service investments increase compared to prior years
Debt service on a loan to acquire a working forest and on a loan to construct a new office, meeting, and education facility will begin in fiscal year 2018-2019. The District expects to move into the new building by January 2020.
We hold the line on other program areas
In other areas of the budget, we maintain support for the technical help we provide and continue to fund financial assistance for important conservation actions.
On behalf of the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, I’m pleased to present a proposed budget for fiscal year 2018-2019.
Tom Salzer, Budget Officer