**Sent to all members by email January 30, 2025. Didn’t get it? Check your spam folder and add 88cabinet@afscmelocal88.org to your contacts. Need to check your membership? Contact the Member Services Center.
We know many of us have heard from our department or division managers that the County is facing a budget shortfall, and they are expecting the need for cuts to staffing. While we have not yet received any official notice to the extent of possible layoffs, we are already taking steps to push back against any unnecessary impacts to our members and the critical services we provide. Our union did a deep dive into the County’s budget, and as we head into bargaining to fight for a fair and equitable contract, here is what we know:
AFSCME's research paints a different picture...
- The County has been projecting a decline in tax revenue for several years now, which has yet to materialize.
- The conservative Government Finance Officers Association recommends counties have a reserve of 16.7%, while Multnomah County’s own budget policy calls for a 12% general funds reserve. The county has a current reserve of 20.8% or $155 million.
- A record of better-than-expected revenues and underspending of the budget signals that a jurisdiction’s financial position is better than what the budget forecast might suggest, and that there is additional financial flexibility available to pay for employee compensation costs. Multnomah County’s consistent track record of generating more revenues than forecast and spending less than budgeted must inform any response to projections of future budget limitations.
Bargaining begins February 20th. Join our campaign for a fair and equitable contract, we know that when we are stronger when we stand together. Here is how to get involved now:
Print this update and the analysis to post on your worksite union bulletin board