Budget shortfalls prompt Clackamas County to cut public and behavioral health jobs

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 9:33 GMT by Oregonian

Budget Shortfalls Prompt Clackamas County to Cut Public and Behavioral Health Jobs

Clackamas County, Oregon’s third‑largest county, is facing a severe fiscal crisis that is forcing the administration to make unprecedented cuts to its workforce. An October 2025 report by The Oregonian reveals that projected budget shortfalls of more than $100 million will compel the county to eliminate around 140 jobs across public safety, public health, and behavioral health departments—positions that have long been integral to the county’s community services.

The Root of the Crisis

The county’s fiscal woes stem from a confluence of factors:

1. Shrinking Revenues
   - A decline in property tax receipts, the county’s primary revenue source, has been amplified by a sluggish local real‑estate market.
   - Oregon’s state government has been cutting funding for local governments, especially for public safety and health programs, exacerbating the revenue gap.

2. Rising Expenses
   - Wage inflation and benefits costs have climbed, partly due to the nationwide trend of higher labor costs in public‑sector roles.
   - Operational costs such as utility rates, vehicle maintenance, and technology upgrades have also increased.

3. Legacy Commitments
   - The county inherited unfunded pension obligations and long‑term service contracts that continue to weigh heavily on the budget.

The combination of these elements created a projected deficit that exceeds the county’s ability to borrow, forcing the administration to look at hard cuts.

The Cuts: Scope and Impact

1. Public Safety

• Police – 35 officers (about 12 % of the force) will be laid off. The department plans to reallocate resources toward community policing initiatives and technology upgrades that can offset the workforce reduction.
• Fire and Rescue – 20 firefighters and 5 administrative staff will lose their positions. The department is exploring a shift toward contract-based services for non‑critical emergencies to maintain coverage.

2. Public Health

• Community Health Centers – 40 staff, including nurses, social workers, and administrative personnel, will be terminated. These centers are key in providing preventative care for low‑income families.
• Public Health Department – 10 epidemiologists and 5 health educators will be cut. The department is concerned about its capacity to respond to emerging public health threats such as flu outbreaks and potential COVID‑19 variants.

3. Behavioral Health

• Mental Health Services – 35 positions, including counselors and program coordinators, will be eliminated. The county is already experiencing a surge in demand for behavioral health services, and the cuts could lengthen wait times and reduce program reach.
• Substance Abuse Programs – 10 jobs in rehabilitation and outreach will be lost, which could hinder efforts to reduce opioid overdoses and support recovery.

These cuts represent the largest workforce reductions in the county’s history. They are expected to impact service delivery across both urban and rural areas, especially in communities that rely heavily on county health and safety programs.

Community and Political Response

Public Outcry

• Residents in cities such as Oregon City and Canby have voiced concerns that the cuts will jeopardize safety and health services, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Local advocacy groups argue that cutting essential staff will push the county’s fiscal crisis into a spiral, forcing higher taxes or more drastic cuts in the future.

County Board Deliberations

• The County Board is holding emergency meetings to discuss the budget shortfall. Board members are debating whether to pursue alternative funding mechanisms, such as a temporary levy or bonds, before finalizing layoffs.
• Some board members have called for a broader state‑level intervention, citing the need for increased funding for local governments across Oregon.

State and Federal Options

• The county has requested a temporary increase in the state’s “County Revenue Sharing” program, which provides discretionary funds for public safety and health.
• On the federal level, the county is exploring the allocation of CARES Act legacy funds and other COVID‑19 relief appropriations, although the availability of these funds is uncertain.

Long‑Term Implications

The cuts raise pressing questions about the sustainability of public service provision in Clackamas County:

1. Equity Concerns
   - Rural communities, which rely on county services more heavily than the larger cities, risk disproportionately losing access to health care and emergency response.

2. Economic Impact
   - Reduced public sector employment may dampen local economic growth, as fewer people spend money in local businesses.

3. Public Confidence
   - Persistent service gaps could erode public trust in county leadership, making future governance and budget negotiations more difficult.

A Call for Proactive Solutions

The article concludes with a call to action: “Clackamas County must move beyond short‑term layoffs to adopt a multi‑pronged strategy that includes revenue diversification, cost‑saving measures, and a robust community engagement plan.” Local officials, advocacy groups, and residents alike are urged to collaborate on a sustainable fiscal plan that preserves essential services while restoring the county’s financial health.

Key Takeaway

Clackamas County’s budget shortfall has forced an unprecedented workforce reduction across public safety, public health, and behavioral health sectors. While the immediate impact may stabilize the county’s finances, the long‑term repercussions threaten the county’s capacity to provide essential services to its residents. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated fiscal reforms at the local, state, and federal levels.