Budgets

While homelessness has dominated our attention for the year and perhaps even longer, broad economic insecurity continues, reemphasizing the need to be vigilant in managing precious resources.

As mentioned last year, the unified teamwork with council and staff working together, has positioned the City of Sutherlin to continue both positive community livability and year-to-year budget health.

However, I am not confident that consistent budget sustainability can be assured in this time of national and state-wide economic and political instability.  Everything is more expensive than ever before. 

Additionally, finding qualified employees for the spectrum of local government openings has also become extremely difficult, thus placing a renewed emphasis upon keeping the employees we have and hopefully for a longer-than-normal period of time.

In summary, we must be aware of, and be prepared to respond to economic downturns that would result in lower-than-expected revenues, possibly at any time throughout the FY.  We also need to be creative in finding qualified potential new employees while developing innovative internal mechanisms to increase the longevity of our current employment base.

Again, as expressed last year, I hope you find this proposed budget and supplemental analysis worthwhile. Please do not hesitate to contact me, Finance Director Tami Trowbridge or any Department Head should you have questions regarding this 2023-2024 proposed budget. 

Thank you all for the time you voluntarily contribute to the City of Sutherlin.

Respectfully,

Jerry Gillham
City Manager