Call for RSD Budget Committee Member

Apply to Riverdale Budget Committee

Applications due: Friday, January 31, 2025.

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BUDGET COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Budget Committee is a 10-member advisory group established by Oregon statute (ORS 294), which consists of members of the Riverdale School District Board and five eligible volunteers, as defined by ORS 247.002, appointed by the School Board. 

Budget Committee members serve for a three-year term. The Budget Committee’s role is to receive the proposed budget from the Budget Officer; provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the budget, and determine the reasonableness of the proposed budget in meeting the priorities and goals of the District as set by the School Board. Upon completion of the review and deliberations, the Budget Committee will approve the budget either as proposed or revised and formally set the tax rates and general obligation bond levy. The budget then moves forward to the School Board who makes the final decision resulting in adoption. 

1. To accomplish its stated objectives, the Budget Committee will govern in a consistent and efficient manner and accordingly:

a. Organize by electing a Presiding Officer and Vice-Presiding Officer. No member shall serve as Presiding Officer for more than two years in succession
b. Open all Budget Committee meetings to the public and hold all meetings within the geographic boundaries of the District
c. Conduct a Budget Committee meeting only if a majority of the members are present
d. Designate time for public testimony. The Presiding Officer may set a time limit on the length of individual testimony as well as the amount of time set aside for public testimony
e. Vote on motions using “yeas” or “nays” and record the result of the vote
f. Utilize the majority vote requirement, which requires affirmative votes by a majority of the committee (6 out of 10) be required to pass any motion before the committee

2. Adhere to local budget law and terms of confidentiality until the District’s budget message and the proposed budget is presented in a public meeting before discussing issues such as:

a. Specific estimates of revenue
b. Expenditures or appropriation amounts associated with any fund, object classification, program, line item, resource or requirement; or
c. Whether to impose any specific tax levy or the amount of any levy.

3. Fulfill the role of Budget Committee member by attending identified Budget Work Group meetings. For the 2025-26 budget process, the meetings are scheduled for the following dates: 

• Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Riverdale Grade School 
• Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Riverdale Grade School 
• Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Riverdale Grade School 

All meetings will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM 

4. The Budget Committee will ensure that meetings are conducted with maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Accordingly, responsibilities include:

a. Attend and be prepared for meetings
b. Support the Presiding Officer’s efforts to facilitate an orderly meeting
c. Focus on issues rather than personalities
d. Speak only when recognized during meeting
e. Not interrupt each other during meetings
f. Not engage in side conversations during meetings
g. Ask questions for clarification
h. Listen for content and understanding
i. Not repeat what has already been said during meeting
j. Communicate in a timely manner to avoid surprise
k. Ensure that all members’ voices are heard
l. Exercise honesty in all written and interpersonal interaction, never intentionally misleading or misinforming each other
m. Make every reasonable effort to protect the integrity and promote the positive image of the district and one another
n. Respect decisions of the full committee

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TO APPLY FOR A POSITION ON THE RSD BUDGET COMMITTEE:  

Complete the online application and submit it by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Apply to Riverdale Budget Committee

TIMELINE: 

• February 10, 2025: Board will review the names of persons submitting applications  and appoint persons to fill the vacant position 

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