Oregon Public Broadcasting

The end of federal subsidies to counties in timber-dependent areas has led to severe cuts in government services. Now, one county in western Oregon has come up with a plan to numb the pain, if only temporarily.  Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Lane County is laying off workers and slashing services.  That’s caught the attention of the county’s largest city, Eugene.

The county is in talks with the city to exchange up to $4.5 million in services. Under the plan, the city would pay to keep some jail beds open and to keep several prosecutors on staff.

In return, the county would pave and maintain some Eugene city streets.  Eugene City Manager Jon Ruiz says the proposal is a way to get around legal restrictions that prevent the county from using its road fund to pay for public safety.

Jon Ruiz:  “This is I think a really creative way to provide dollars to the county to continue to provide services that will be primarily for the city of Eugene residents.”

The cash swap would only last for two years.  That’s when the county’s road fund is projected to run dry.