Seeking to close a major funding gap, Multnomah County’s top elected leader suggests cutting 166 full-time jobs, closing more than 600 homeless shelter beds and reducing funds for a county-sponsored afterschool program by more than $1 million.
Chair Jessica Vega Pederson released her proposed budget Thursday morning, saying the “tough choices” will help the county navigate a more than $93 million deficit and prop up social services and public safety programs that serve many county residents.
“These are necessary to produce a sustainable budget, without over-reliance on one-time dollars,” Vega Pederson said in a news release. “The tough tradeoffs underscore my commitment to fiscal integrity, effective governance, and most importantly – direct services.”…