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Page 2 - Memo to Citizens of Lane County and Lane County Board of Commissioners <br /> Subj: Secure Rural Schools and Community Self - Determination Act of 2000 WP ca/vv /00035/T <br /> 4. We need to keep in mind the levy that failed November 7 included an allocation of $2.8 <br /> million to maintain existing services. Assuming our citizens want Lane County to <br /> maintain its current service level, our first need will be to maintain existing funding to <br /> keep current programs such as the Forest Work Camp and Juvenile Justice Center at least <br /> operating in partial capacity. <br /> While portions of Title Two and Three of the act do create opportunities for new community <br /> programs and perhaps enhance some existing programs, the new funding is not in any sense a <br /> "windfall." <br /> Under the act, Lane County is projected to get $47.6 million next fiscal year 2001 -02. The act <br /> will provide funding for new federal projects, roads, schools and our general fund. This is $20.5 <br /> million more than we would have received under the previous "owl guarantee." <br /> Here is the funding breakdown for the additional $20.5 million (also see Attachment B). <br /> • Federal Projects <br /> We are required to set aside either 15 or 20 percent of the $47.6 million for projects that <br /> directly or indirectly benefit federal lands. This amounts to $7.1 million to $9.5 million. <br /> The percentage chosen will directly affect the amount of additional funds available for other <br /> designated purposes explained below. <br /> • National Forest Dollars <br /> The portion of the new funding coming from the national forest revenues comes with the <br /> same requirement for dedication as the current revenues. That is, they must be split 75 <br /> percent for road - related purposes and 25 percent for schools. Here is the breakdown: <br /> - Schools: $1.7 million - $2.1 million (depending upon federal projects percentage). <br /> - Roads: $5.2 million - $6.3 million (depending upon federal projects percentage). <br /> • O &C Timber Revenue <br /> The remaining portion (designated coming from O &C lands that is truly discretionary <br /> funding) is estimated at between $4.1 million and $5 million, depending on the federal <br /> projects percentage. <br /> • General Fund Deficit <br /> When the FY 2000 -01 budget was approved with no reductions, it was with the knowledge <br /> that the FY 2001 -02 budget had a looming deficit estimated at $2.8 million. At that time, it <br /> was hoped that either a special levy or the new federal payments legislation would fill the <br /> gap. Since the voters did not approve Lane County's local option levy on November 7, the <br /> projected $2.8 million discretionary general fund deficit will have to be covered by the new <br /> federal dollars just to preserve services at their current anemic level. <br /> 3 <br />