[ODF_Private_Forests] Message from Private Forests to ODF staff regarding budget

[WEEKS Kevin]

ODF Private Forests News service:

ODF Private Forests Division deputy chief Peter Daugherty issued this message about the evolving 2009-11 and 2011-13 budget situation to ODF staff on Thursday.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
(503) 945-7427
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Hi everyone – 

Earlier this month I shared information about a Private Forests budget shortfall, and promised to get back to you (see below).  But with yesterday’s front page and TV news, I suspect you are more interested in the potential statewide shortfall and its impact on the agency.  

It appears that the next statewide revenue forecast, due out August 26, will show that expected General Fund revenues for the current biennium have slipped yet again. This could well mean that the Governor will order additional across-the-board reductions for this biennium, beyond those that resulted from the last revenue forecast, in May.  

We don’t yet know the full implications of this new development, and expect to learn more next week. As we’ve discussed before, General Fund available for reduction occurs in our Private Forests and Fire programs. But, as has been the case before, budget reductions have effects across the entire agency. The Executive Team has begun to consider various options – continuing to adhere to the principles we’ve used in past reduction efforts, with an emphasis on striving to conserve our most valuable asset: our employees.

We’ll keep you informed as we learn more about what will be required of us and as we develop the necessary plans.

In terms of the previously mentioned Private Forests Program reduction, I had mentioned at that time, it appeared that we would be able to address this shortfall by re-directing work for some employees to projects that are funded with stimulus dollars and other federal sources, averting the need for layoffs. Budget revision work in the districts, reviewed by the area directors and myself, has now confirmed that this is the case.

These latest developments are further reminders that our budget difficulties and challenges will continue for some time – into the 2011-2013 biennium and likely beyond. We will need to think carefully about the services we can provide effectively with the resources available to the agency, while continuing to look in the long-term toward new funding sources. 

Given all this, speaking on behalf of the Executive Team, I can only repeat that we are extremely grateful for your talent and dedication. Continued change and uncertainty, and the lack of resources to do our jobs as well as we know we can, bring frustration and stress. Thank you for continuing to focus your skills and energy on our work every day.

We’ll continue to be in touch as events unfold. 

Best,
Peter Daugherty
Deputy Chief, Private Forests Division