Oregon’s counties have a lot of work ahead of them as the 2013 legislative session approaches. Many - especially rural counties are continuing to deal with significant budget problems that will only get worse without new streams of revenue.

Eric Schmidt with the Association of Oregon counties says some of the traditional methods of solving problems have to be put away – and legislators must look for new ways of making counties more sustainable.

Many counties have significantly reduced staffing for sheriff's offices, in turn forced to release inmates from county jails before their sentences are served.