07/16/2008 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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GENERAL OVERVIEW - JOSEPH A. BAIRD, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Administrator Baird presented the 2008/2009 proposed Budget of $289,701,971, showing a decrease of about $175,346,573 or 37.71%. He acknowledged that preparing this year's budget was difficult due to the national economy, Amendment I, and the decline in real estate values. He reported that there were no proposed increases, and that he would be asking $5.2 million dollars less from the ad valorem taxpayer. Administrator Baird disclosed that the Operating Budget was 7.4% less, due to permit fees, interest income, and the half -cent sales tax being down. He said that even with that, they tried to come in with a budget that would reduce taxes. Administrator Baird outlined major budget impacts, emphasizing that due to Amendment I, the County lost $5.0 million dollars in taxing funds; $5.2 million due to decreased values; $1,450,115 from the economic slowdown; interest earnings were down approximately $1,234,155; fuel costs had increased by $623.525; and electric increased by $169,334. He explained that travel was reduced by $111,431; the biggest reduction and expense was eliminating 86 positions (11 from Constitutional Officers and 75 from the Board of County Commissioner Departments), amounting to $4,752,799 in savings. Additionally, the new County requirement for health insurance, increased the budget by $2.7 million. GENERAL FUND Administrator Baird informed the Board that the overall budget is $81,974,684, showing a decrease of $2,882,721. He announced that between Amendment I and the real estate decline, a value of $4,000,000 was lost. Eliminated positions accounted for a reduction of $1,414,872; an increase of $1,503,447 for OPEB expenses (other post employment benefits), and there was an increase of $59,524 for fuel costs. He pointed out that this budget had been reduced the least by external factors, such as State Mandates, Constitutional Officers, and the Judges' costs. July 16, 2008 2