07/16/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Utilities The Utility Services recommended budget is $37,743,535, a decrease of $141,601, or (0.4%) (page 49). Two (2) Senior Maintenance Worker positions have been added to the Stormwater department. These positions will be necessary to maintain Osprey Marsh, formerly known as Pollution Control South. No rate increases are included in this budget. Based upon the Utility's continued positive cash flow and lack of borrowing needs, staff plans to pay off the Series 2005 bonds at their first available call date on September 1, 2015 from fund reserves. GIS/ Computer Services Fund The total proposed budget for the GIS/Computer Services Fund is $1,289,047, a decrease of $124,958, or (8.8%). The decrease is primarily due to the carryover of projects from the prior fiscal year. One additional position is proposed here at a total estimated cost of $55,586. This position (Systems Support Technician) will be dedicated to the Utilities Department to assist with various technology upgrades in the department. Utilities will fully fund this position. Additional resources may be needed in this fund to keep pace with ever-changing technology in the digital arena. Prospective View The County taxroll has begun to increase as the County continues to slowly recover from the impacts of the Great Recession. The increased taxroll along with moderate increases in other revenue sources has allowed for the County to achieve a structurally balanced budget for fiscal year 2014/15. The planned usage of fund balance has been phased out in the General Fund, Emergency Services District, and SWDD. Additionally, the planned replacement of capital assets has been restored to the budget. This budget also begins a transition away from the use of Optional Sales Tax dollars to fund replacement fire rescue apparatus and law enforcement vehicles. While the County's revenues are growing, it is important to note that the economic recovery is still relatively fragile. It will be necessary to remain vigilant in controlling cost increases going forward. During the economic downturn the County undertook several measures to streamline the organization and reduce taxes going forward. We will need to maintain the same vigilance to keep taxes low going in to the future. The preceding is intended to provide the Board with a general overview of the most significant changes in the proposed budget. A more detailed explanation will be provided during the workshop sessions. Respectfully submitted, JJose A. Baird Coun y Administrator '6" 15