07/16/2008 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

to re -work their contracts to effectively drop their budgeted salaries by about 5.5% percent, which would save over $12,143, and bring a slight decrease to his budget, as requested. Administrator Baird emphasized that he did not recommended this kind of change, since everyone else in the workforce receives normal raises. He did not feel that it was fair for the Legal Department to cut two employees and allow the others to gain raises. Vice Chairman Davis preferred taking the increase back to zero, not $16,000, and allowing Attorney Collins to use his own creativity in making the necessary budget cuts. Commissioners Flescher, O'Bryan and Bowden agreed. Vice Chairman Davis voiced concern over the Animal Control Officer that was cut from the budget. Administrator Baird told him that this was his last cut in the General Fund, and he felt that it could be added back, with the Board's approval. There was a CONSENSUS among the Board members to add the Animal Control position back into the budget. Chairman Bowden felt it crucial and most important to consider adding the County's one- third share of the Mental Health Walk-in Center back into the budget. Administrator Baird noted that in the past, lower income families were going to St. Lucie County to seek treatment. He said that staff had met with the hospital and agreed to fund our share of the walk-in clinic. He suggested the Board fund it with $67,500, the same as last year. There was CONSENSUS of the Board to add the $67,500 back into the budget. Administrator Baird divulged that the General Fund is an $80,000,000.00 budget, and indicated that there was risk, due to revenues being down, but he felt sure that these changes could be absorbed. He acknowledged that money would need to be put back into the Court Administration and Guardian Ad Litem funds, bringing the total to about $200,000.00 out of the cash balance. July 16, 2008 23