While Other Oregon Cities Struggle, Medford Boosts Budget with $679 Million Plan
MEDFORD, Ore. — Medford City Council’s proactive long-term approach to financing has enabled it to present an increased 2025-27 biennium budget while many other Oregon cities of similar size face staff layoffs and financial challenges.
City Council Approved a $679.5 Million Budget for 2025-27
The council presented a $679.5 million budget at its meeting earlier this week, reflecting a 27.6% increase from the 2023-25 budget.
The main beneficiary of the budget, which also includes $76.8 million in contingency funds, will be upgrades to the Regional Water Reclamation Facility at a total cost of $302 million.
Located on Kirtland Road in White City, the Reclamation Facility provides wastewater treatment services to Central Point, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Talent, White City, and Medford.
Medford Adopted Financial Planning Two Years Ahead Since 2022
City Manager Rob Field says Medford maintains a proactive approach to financing by planning two years ahead. This approach was adopted in 2022 when the council established the Budget Stabilization Committee.
The committee explores ways to meet future financial obligations by identifying cost-saving opportunities and potential revenue sources.
The following are some of the main accomplishments of the 2023-25 budget year:
Main Accomplishments in 2023-25
The state-of-the-art Rogue X, the Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, was opened in January 2024 and has become the hub for recreational events in the city.
Upgrades to the Medford Foothill Road project will be completed early this financial year. Upgrades to the narrow roadway in east Medford cost $62 million.
Medford City reduced the number of its illegal homeless encampments by 175 – from 186 in March 2023 to 11 by September 2024. This was achieved by the Medford Police Department’s Livability Team. The objectives of the team are to improve the quality of, life for all residents, ensure compliance with municipal codes, and reduce chronic homelessness that has impacted areas such as the Bear Creek Greenway.
The establishment of the Medford Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) frees fire engines to respond to more critical demands, such as wildfire outbreaks. The two-man EMS squad attends to medical and good intent calls from the public.