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April 24, 2012
SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting several town hall meetings around the state in April and May to get public input as the agency develops its budget proposal for the 2013-2015 biennium.
The proposal being developed by the agency and a citizen budget advisory group will be focused on outcome-based investments under the Governor’s 10 Year Plan for Oregon. A license fee increase is not part of the agency’s 2013-2015 budget proposal.
“Just like many other state agencies, ODFW faces a number of budgetary challenges for the next several years. It is important that we maintain the level of services we provide to hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers,” said Roy Elicker, director of ODFW. “I encourage people to attend these meetings; this is a great opportunity to learn about our budget processes, hear about the great work being done for Oregon’s fish and wildlife, and give us some feedback.”
The Department receives funding from several sources. A third of ODFW’s revenue comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Another third comes from the federal government – much of it tied to the sale of hunting and fishing equipment. The rest of the department funding comes from a variety of sources. Most of that funding can be used only for specific purposes spelled out in grants, contracts or statute. Although ODFW manages fish and wildlife for all Oregonians, only about four percent of ODFW’s revenue comes from Oregon’s general tax dollars and the lottery combined.
At each town hall meeting, agency staff will gather public comments, which will be used to help refine the budget proposal before it is presented to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for approval in August. Once a proposed budget is approved by the Commission, it will be submitted to the Governor for his consideration. The Department’s 2013-2015 budget will ultimately be determined in the 2013 legislative session
Written comments on the proposed budget are welcome within two weeks following each public meeting and should be sent to ODFW, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem OR 97303 or by email to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us.
More information on the budget process is available on the ODFW website at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/budget/2013-15_budget_development.asp.
All public meetings will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations and dates:
Wilsonville:; Monday, April 30, Quality Inn and Conference Center, 30800 SW Parkway Avenue
La Grande: Tuesday, May 1, Blue Mt. Conference Center, 404 12 St.
Bend: Wednesday, May 2, Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NE College Way, Boyle Education Center, Room 155
North Bend: Thursday, May 3, North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Avenue
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