BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners and Budget Committee members have proposed a $358 million budget for next year, which is a 4% increase over this year. It includes a million dollars for a Bend Crisis Stabilization and Sober Center, which the Sheriff has said will deal those in crisis better than the jail. 

The proposal also includes a number of capital projects, like $650,000 to improve Old Bend-Redmond Highway, and money to finish several road projects near La Pine, along with completion of a new 911 Dispatch project.

County officials are asking to add staff to the Community Development Department as demand for applications increases. And, both the Department of Solid Waste and the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center continue to plan for future expansion and development. 

The budget proposal will be debated this week, with final deliberations scheduled for June 26.