On May 23, the Marion County Budget Committee met to discuss the proposed $689 million fiscal year 2023-24 budget. The committee is composed of three county commissioners and three citizen voters. The committee approves the budget and submits it to the Board of Commissioners for final approval by June 30. In presenting the budget, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Jan Fritz stated, “The purpose of county government lies in the many ways it impacts the daily lives of our residents.”
This year’s budget message renewed the county’s ongoing commitment to its mission statement: We serve the public to protect, promote, and enhance a positive quality of life. After the past few years of dealing with the pandemic, responding to devastating wildfires and ice storms, and assisting our communities, this year’s budget demonstrates to the people of Marion County that we are here to support them.
The approved budget for fiscal year 2023-24 funds the county’s core responsibilities and invests in the services our communities need to be safe, healthy, and thrive. The budget, which takes effect July 1, spans more than 600 pages, totals $688,873,465, and includes 1,673 employees. Commissioner Danielle Bethell stated, “As we see budgets across the state increase and turn negative, our county budget was passed without reducing services to the public. This is truly incredible, and I’m proud of our department heads, elected officials, and county administrative officers.” “We put the people of Marion County first every day, without burdening them with new fees and taxes.”
This year’s budget includes $12 million for a new housing program for wildfire victims. Commissioners secured funding from the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services to help wildfire survivors rebuild their homes and return them to their original condition. The budget also includes $1.6 million for park restoration so that people can enjoy them when they reopen in the fall. The parks destroyed by the 2020 wildfires have been a priority for the county. Commissioner Kevin Cameron stated, “It is important that these parks be rebuilt as quickly as possible, while ensuring their safety for our community. They should be a place where people can recreate and make memories with their friends and family.”
Seventy-six percent of Marion County’s general fund is allocated to public safety. This includes the Sheriff’s Office, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Justice Court, and the Juvenile Department. Commissioner Colm Willis stated, “I am encouraged that with this budget, we are making significant investments in our public safety system and continuing to ensure the safety of the people of Marion County.” Marion County is known for its innovative community policing approaches and recidivism reduction. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program brings together the sheriff’s office and social services to help low-level, repeat offenders get on and stay on track.
CAO Jan Fritz stated, “The county is in a strong financial position, and the fiscal year 2023-24 budget is balanced and financially sound. As a county, we believe public service is a great honor and look forward to serving our community next year.”
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the FY 2023-24 budget as part of its regular board session on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Senator Hearing Room at Courthouse Square located at 555 Court St. NE, Salem. The full budget is available for review on the county website at www.co.marion.or.us/FIN/budget.
For more information, contact the Board of Commissioners Office at (503) 588-5212 or email commissioners@co.marion.or.us.
