Oregon Public Broadcasting

One-third of all Oregon counties are in crisis mode due to a loss of federal timber payments.  That’s one of the findings of a new report from a task force set up by Gov. Ted Kulongoski.  Salem correspondent Chris Lehman has more.

Most Oregon counties get money from the federal government to offset a decline in revenue from timber harvested on federal land in those counties.

In some places, the money makes up more than half of the county’s general fund.

So far Congress hasn’t renewed the program, so some counties are closing libraries, laying off dozens of sheriff’s deputies, and are letting criminals out of jail early.

Gov. Kulongoski says the state will make one more plea to the federal government to renew the program.  But he says that’s not going to be the long-term answer.

Ted Kulongoski:  “Whatever extension we get, this program is going to end.  And I think everyone now understands that.”

The task force recommends that affected counties ask voters to raise property taxes.  It  also wants to work with the federal government to increase timber harvests.

Online:

Draft Document from task force (.pdf)