EUGENE, Ore. – In a move to address anticipated funding shortfalls, Lane County officials are proposing to cut or phase out around 80 positions across the county for the upcoming fiscal year. The majority of these positions are vacant or part-time roles, and their elimination is expected to have minimal impact on departmental functions.
Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky explained that the county’s reliance on state and federal funding has put it in a precarious financial situation. According to Mokrohisky, approximately 60% of the county’s revenue comes from federal and state sources, with the remaining 40% coming from local taxes and fees. With growing uncertainty over federal funding, the county is preparing for possible reductions that could further strain its budget.
“We’ve had a lot of conversation in the community across the state and across the country about impacts and cuts in budgets. At the federal level, there’s an ongoing effort to reduce services that many people rely on,” Mokrohisky said.
To manage the budget deficit, the county has focused on reducing vacant and part-time positions, allowing essential services to continue without significant disruptions. Mokrohisky emphasized that this approach, while not unique to Lane County, reflects a broader national trend of local governments making strategic cuts without resorting to drastic measures.
“We’re not going to take an axe or chainsaw to the budget,” Mokrohisky stated. “We’re going to take a surgical approach. We’re trying to be surgeons of the taxpayers’ resources, making sure that the limited funds we have are allocated to the areas that will have the most valuable and lasting impact on the community.”
The proposed budget cuts are not expected to take effect until the 2025-26 fiscal year, which begins in early July. This provides the county time to review and adjust the budget if necessary before it is finalized. Mokrohisky noted that the goal of the proposed cuts is to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, even in the face of potential funding reductions from the state and federal governments.
“As local government officials, our responsibility is to carefully identify areas where we can make reductions, create efficiencies, and streamline operations while still meeting the needs of our residents,” Mokrohisky said.
While the proposed cuts are a difficult reality, county officials are optimistic that the measures will help Lane County navigate the uncertain financial landscape in the years to come. As the county moves forward with its budget review, the focus will remain on preserving essential services and ensuring that taxpayers’ resources are spent wisely.
