MCEDD board passes budget

THE GORGE — The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District board meeting June 18 included a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 budget, presented by Finance Manager Leana Kinley. There was no public comment.

Kinley noted the following key changes:

• $226,000 in lost revenue due to changes in transportation grant funding impacting The Link routes in The Dalles. Reserves will be tapped to fill the gap.

• A salary increase that includes a 3% cost of living adjustment and a 3% market rate adjustment for all non-transportation positions, excluding the executive director. This will apply for new roles as well, Kinley said, including a new project manager position.

• 14% increase for staff medical costs.

Once the hearing closed, the board adopted the budget for July 1 through June 30, 2027.

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Read the full June 18 meeting notes by Documenter Jinlu Yuan at columbia-gorge.documenters.org.