Lane County facing another fiscal challenge

Lane County facing another revenue crisis

Another cash-flow hit is facing Lane County. A requirement to set aside an additional $950-thousand for self-insurance reserves could force the closure of another 35 jail beds and result in more layoffs. Already faced with a $7.8-million shortfall in June, services were cut and 50 jobs were eliminated at the county.

Now, County Commissioners say they’ll be talking later this month about how to handle the state requirement that they increase a reserve fund for worker’s compensation claims from $1.5-million to $2.4-million… by the end of this month. County Administrator Liane Richardson told the Board yesterday one solution could be a ten-percent funding cut to all departments. But, she added, that would likely only be the starting point for the discussion.

The results of an ‘across-the-board’ reduction would include the loss of two more patrol deputies as well as the jail bed closures. It could also cost three more positions in the county’s Department of Youth Services; and mean the possible elimination of the county medical examiners office. Commissioners are set to continue the discussion August 24th.