The city of Independence, Oregon, has released the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. This budget reflects months of careful planning, public input, and collaboration between city departments and leadership. It outlines how resources may be allocated to support essential services, infrastructure, and community priorities.

Like many cities in Oregon, we’re facing rising costs, limited income, and the lingering effects of past economic challenges. Thanks to federal relief during COVID, we were able to keep things running, but that money was temporary. Now, we need to take a closer look at how we fund core services and make some tough decisions to protect our long-term future.

In this update, we’ve outlined important highlights in the city’s proposed budget, including how we’re saving money and planning for the years ahead. Our goal is to be transparent, thoughtful, and focused on what our community needs most.

Summary

Voters did not approve a levy that would help fund the Library, Museum, and Parks. The city’s General Fund now faces the need to reduce costs while striving to preserve key services. Additionally, due to the departure of the Downtown Manager—whose position is not funded by the General Fund and will not be filled this year—further adjustments were made to overall city operations. Potential options include:

• Combine the Library and Museum into one Community Services Department (at the Library).
• Sell the Museum building.
• Sell at least one park (from a list being considered).
• Close Independence Civic Center on Fridays (Police Dept stays open).
• Reduce Library hours by one more day each week.
• The Independence Days Celebration will no longer be run by the city beginning Summer 2026 .

The next Budget Committee meeting is April 30, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Independence Civic Center. This is a public meeting, and community members are encouraged to attend or tune in online to learn more. Take a moment to review the proposed budget and stay engaged in shaping the future of our city.

You can now view the full document here: www.ci.independence.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Independence-BUDGET-2025-2026_-Proposed_-Final.pdf