Deadline looms for MultCo budget approval
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Time is running out on budget talks for the Multnomah County Board, with the adoption vote looming on Thursday. Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton said the board is still considering around 30 amendments to the Chair's original proposed budget. 'We have the same sort of revenue that we're using to fund programs that we want to fund from different commission offices, and so it's working through, with each other because we can't double spend money,' Singleton said. 'Who is going to kind of let go of something or if they can find another funding source for that.' Some amendments are new programs, and others are restorations. But she said if some pass, there could be around $20 million in changes from the original proposed budget. 'Plus we had some new revenue amendments that were added to the process,' Singleton said, 'And so there are some additional funds that we're able to spend so that somewhere we don't have to make reductions in the chair's proposed budget.' Cuts are still a top concern for Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. Vasquez has said proposed cuts to his budget would mean layoffs in the DA's office. In a statement to KOIN 6 Vasquez said, 'I have been loud about the need to fully fund the DA's office because the people of Multnomah County want and deserve a safer community. I do too. And that takes a fully funded DA's Office. We are hoping for the best and watching closely to see what happens tomorrow with the budget vote.' 'The reductions that the DA faced are comparable to what other departments have faced in a reduction year,' Singleton said. 'It's really important that we're thoughtful about where those come and we don't just cut from the front line direct services.' Another department staring down serious cuts — county health. Among those cuts is the entire Nurse-Family Partnership program. Singleton said everyone is facing an economic downturn. 'Not just the county, but the human beings living here as well,' she said. 'And so it's really important to me that we come out with a balanced budget. And I don't mean balanced in the number, but balanced in where those reductions have been. And unfortunately, some really good programs are going to be a part of the reduction.'
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