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3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - GARY C. WHEELER, <br />COMMISSION CHAIRMAN <br />Chairman Gary C. Wheeler led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. <br />4. BUDGET OVERVIEW BY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, <br />JOSEPH A. BAIRD <br />County Administrator Baird presented an overview of the 2007/2008 <br />proposed Budget totaling $432,108,207.00, showing a decrease of $68 million, about <br />14% from last year, and no rate increases. Mr. Baird announced that due to a recent State <br />tax reform, the County had reduced the millage rates by 5% in the General Fund and <br />MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing Unit), and by 3% in the Emergency Services District <br />(ESD). <br />Administrator Baird outlined this year's budget cuts with the elimination of <br />56 positions, amounting to $3.3 million in savings. A reduction of overtime resulted in a <br />16% decrease or $605,000.00, and travel expenses for each department have been <br />reduced by 30%. Mr. Baird explained that some of the major impacts on the overall <br />budget were property insurance increases of about $1.1 million; health insurance <br />increases of around $385,000.00; increased fuel costs, and Cost of Living Adjustments <br />(COLA) for employees at an estimated cost of $1,642,000.00. There have also been <br />reductions in 1/2 cent sales tax revenue, about 14% less than last year; State revenue <br />sharing, which decreased 2.7%; and fuel tax revenue, which is down 7%. Administrator <br />Baird pointed out that on the positive side, the County's interest earnings are projected to <br />be up about $235,000.00 or 17%. <br />September 5, 2007 2 <br />Preliminary Budget <br />