Residents urge caution as commissioners adopt budget that uses reserves

During public testimony on June 24, several Josephine County residents urged the Board to exercise greater fiscal restraint and questioned the county's reliance on reserve funds to balance the FY 2026-27 budget. Speakers raised concerns about declining General Fund reserves, the way vacant Sheriff's Office appropriations are handled, and how increasing personnel expenditures may affect taxpayers over time.

Speakers included Marc Kirby, who questioned projected reserve depletion and Sheriff staffing appropriations; Cris Kirby, who contrasted employee compensation with average resident income; Kathy Millard, who urged reconsideration of reserve reliance; and Mark Jones, who reviewed historical General Fund reserve balances. Board members heard the concerns but proceeded to adopt Resolution No. 2026-025 and related budget resolutions by unanimous vote. The record shows public concern about long-term sustainability even as the Board moved forward with the adopted budget.