The Board plans to adopt a final budget on March 3 after considering more reductions in staff and service levels.
Chairman Charles Bannister said this budget cuts almost $26.2 million more in expenditures than the one he first proposed last month and delays decisions on another $10.5 million in program modifications. "These cuts were suggested by efficiency studies and will greatly reduce our use of reserve funds to balance the budget," said Bannister.
"Due to deteriorating economic conditions, we've cut 115 full-time positions, postponed adding 88 new courts and public safety positions, and continued our hiring freeze," Bannister said.
The County will seek more annual revenue mostly by raising ambulance fees and slightly increasing convenience fees for credit card transactions for a total of about $1.2 million. Mortgage foreclosures are affecting property tax revenues during the economic recession and sales tax income has also slowed.
County Administrator Jock Connell said the interim budget "cuts many health and human services subsidies by 10 percent, reduces vehicle purchases and lowers County support for economic development efforts." It also delays expansion and renovation plans for Juvenile Court and the One Justice Square building. Staff compensation adjustments will help reduce costs by approximately $1.6 million.
Connell said County officials are studying the potential impact of other cost-reduction ideas and are waiting to see how state budget cutbacks will affect local governments.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/1/216591