12/1/2009 - Bend and Redmond

by Matt McDonald

A new report out from the state detailing the cuts that could be made if voters don't pass measures 66 and 67, two tax measures on the January 26^th ballot, that would raise over seven hundred million dollars. Among the projected cuts: more than 15,000 seniors with disabilities would lose Oregon Health Plan coverage.

"I'm not focusing on where to cut or why we need to raise taxes. We don't need to raise taxes, we don't need to cut. We need plan B," said State Senator Chris Telfer.

Part of plan B, according to republican state Senator Chris Telfer, could be asking state workers to pay for part of their health care premiums, raising four hundred million for the state. Local administrators can't depend on a plan B. The state asking them to prepare a plan for cuts at the five and ten percent levels.

"So it costs us $166,000 a day to run the Redmond School District," said Vickie Fleming, Redmond School District Superintendent.

Already on a four day school week, if Redmond has to make cuts that's twenty days lost to meet the potential three point three million dollar shortfall. More realistically, the cuts would come elsewhere.

"Most of our money is people. So, it's people," said Fleming.

Bend La Pine schools face a loss of seven and a half million dollars. At COCC the measures failing could mean higher tuition charges and a drop in staffing levels. At OSU Cascades it would mean a budget reduction of seven hundred thousand dollars.

Courts would also take a hit, having to prioritize cases.

"Those cases that do not have a direct impact on public safety would drop to the lowest level," said Deschutes County presiding judge, Michael Sullivan.

Six full time jobs would likely be lost at the Deschutes County Courthouse.

"We're dealing with hypothetical situations and I want to emphasize that," said Judge Sullivan.

To read the state report visit: http://www.leg.state.or.us/comm/lfo/home.htm