By Alex Paul
Linn County Communications
Halfway through the 2025-2026 fiscal year, Linn County’s department heads and elected officials are holding a tight rein on spending, Accounting Officer Bill Palmer told Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker at their Jan. 27 meeting.
Palmer said that as of December 31, most departments have expended less than 50% of their budgets.
Spending for the General Fund is at 45.60%, compared to 41.8% at the same time in 2024.
The Road Fund has expended 24.7% compared to 27.1%; the Law Enforcement Levy is at 34.9% compared to 36.7% and the Health Fund is at 24.6% compared to 25.1%.
In other business, the commissioners:
- Received the annual audit report from Aldrich CPAs + Advisors. CPA Jessica Luther-Haynes said the county received a “clean opinion” which is the “best you can get.” In a written report to the commissioners, the audit firm noted, “We received the full cooperation of management and staff throughout the audit and we were kept informed as to developments and plans affecting our audit scope.” A copy of the audit report can be viewed at www.linncountyor.gov/media/54126.
- Were told by Juvenile Department Director Torri Lynn that 29 young people from Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties were held in December. There were 20 youth held from Linn County for 193 total days of care; seven youth from Benton County for 73 days and two youth from Lincoln County for 40 days of care. There were no young people from Clackamas or Marion counties held in December. The Juvenile Department received 33 referrals in December and there were 182 young people in the Probation Unit, 31 of which were considered high-risk. The Victim Advocate made 102 contacts.
- Amended three Health Specialist 1, 2 and 3 pay scale classifications upwards based on a salary analysis, within the Environmental Health Department.
- Approved refunds of $6,759.53 and $65,846.89 to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. These were unexpended funds from a $1.52 million grant provided by the commission.
- Approved a $39,814.60 refund to National Carbon Technology, due to a month’s lease overpayment at the Millersburg industrial property.
- Approved a conditional use permit application on remand from LUBA (Land Use Board of Appeals). The application was remanded for the commissioners to review additional evidence in the record.