9/8/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Adams agreed with Commissioner Macht that we should cut back to last year's figures. Commissioner Bird liked that idea also but did not want to put the burden on the Administrator. He was sure that if there had been $2 million available to cut, it would have been cut. Commissioner Adams led discussion regarding the new construction and the increase in existing property values which added almost 6 percent to the tax base over last year. Director Baird explained that the reappraisals on existing properties work against us for the purpose of millage. If the appraised value on existing property goes up, millage goes down to achieve the same amount of revenue as last year. Discussion ensued regarding the relationship of new construction to rolled -back millage rate, and Director Baird explained that even with our revenues dropping, we must deliver services because the public still wants the ambulance, the police and the fire truck to arrive promptly. The Advanced Life Support revenue has increased but it is difficult to track because we never know when the law may change as to how much we can charge for ambulance runs. Discussion ensued regarding the $1.9 million versus the $2.3 million cut. Director Baird cautioned that revenues are down and there are certain additional expenses, like Medicaid, court costs and the new courthouse. We will have to cut services and lay people off in order to cut that $1.9 million. Commissioner Eggert asked about cutting the budget $1 million, or two-tenths of a mill, and Director Baird felt that a million dollar cut is attainable. He further commented that if we cut constitutional officers' salary increases for their employees along with County employees and they appeal to the state, they probably would not prevail. Commissioner Eggert asked if the target would be to cut two- tenths of a mill, and Administrator Chandler confirmed that two- tenths of a mill is $1,092,000. Commissioner Tippin emphasized that his intention is to cut the increases, not to reduce the level of service. Chairman Bird explained that if we direct Administrator Chandler to decrease the budget, he and Director Baird will make recommendations. The constitutional officers will have an opportunity to appear before the Board to agree or disagree with the proposed cuts. Administrator Chandler agreed that if the Board's direction is to cut two-tenths of a mill, which is $1,092,000, staff could 23 800K 9® FAF. 4,91 "A SEP 8 1993