Fiscal Year 2025 began on July 1, and lasts through June 30, 2026. On Tuesday, Columbia County revealed there are nine days within this period in which a majority of county offices will be closed in an effort to save money.
“This difficult decision is intended to preserve services and avoid layoffs, while keeping Columbia County financially stable,” Columbia County Commissioner and Budget Officer Margaret Magruder said in the announcement. “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging time.”
Here are the days when “most” offices, notably the county’s courthouse, annex and John Gumm Building and Civic Center, will be closed.
According to the announcement, the furlough days come as most Oregon counties face budget deficits that lead to job layoffs, program closures or reduced services.
In the Portland metro area, KOIN 6 previously reported on Washington County’s $20.5 million shortfall and Multnomah County’s $77 million shortfall ahead of finalizing their 2026 budgets — one of which required “painful tradeoffs.” But Columbia County officials said finances in rural areas have been “especially” impacted by decreases in federal funding.
The county noted that it also closed offices in previous years to mitigate economic issues. Officials said there were anywhere between four and 26 furlough days annually from 2009 to 2015.
“Those experiences helped shape today’s approach: acting early and thoughtfully to protect long-term service delivery,” the county said.
Although many offices will be closed, “essential services” like the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Public Works Department will remain.
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