Osage Nation Principal Chief Joe Tillman has lifted the State of Emergency declared on August 4, 2026, citing that financial conditions no longer require the continuation of a State of Emergency. Additionally, Chief Tillman has formally requested that the Osage Nation Congress amend ONCR 26-12 and increase the fiscal year 2027 budgetary outlay amount to the Executive Branch from $60 million to $82 million.
The Osage Nation Treasury Department recently presented the final fiscal year 2025 audit report, which identified $7,223,992 in retained revenue. Retained revenue represents funds that remained unspent at the close of fiscal year 2025 and is available for future appropriation. The availability of these funds strengthens the Nation's financial position for fiscal year 2027 and provides flexibility beyond amounts listed in the current ONCR 26-12.
This updated financial information eliminates the need for emergency measures. However, the Nation must continue planning for the expiration of CARES Act and ARPA-funded programs on December 31, 2026. The operational changes announced last week will remain as part of a broader effort to align expenditures with projected revenues, reduce long-term financial risk, and ensure the sustainability of essential services.
βLifting the State of Emergency allows the Osage Nation to plan accordingly in the new fiscal year while administering responsible stewardship of Nation resources,β said Principal Chief Joe Tillman.