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Budget Priorities Workshop: We propose holding an April BOCC Budget Priorities Workshop to update the Board on the County's mid -year financial condition, and to the extent possible create a future budget scenario. • Paramount to this workshop will be soliciting Board Member Priorities. Incremental Zero -Based Budgeting: Beginning next fiscal year, we will implement incremental zero -based budgeting. The intent will be to identify roughly three departments a year and start from a "zero base." The departments will develop their budget in which every expense must be justified. Zero -based budgeting involves a systematic approach to true up and justify every expense, prioritize activities and allocate resources based on strategic importance rather than historical spending. Al Task Force: According to the National Association of Counties' AI County Compass report, generative Al can transform local government services, fostering an environment that strengthens our budget position. Al Has proven effective in boosting productivity, improving communications, enhancing planning (and permitting) review, managing resources, improving public safety, and handling child and human services. Properly implemented, Ai tools can serve as a key driver for cost-effective, high-quality services. Across-departmentalAl task force willwork to navigate the complexities of At and mitigate risk by developing clear guidelines, standards, procedures, and identifying the strategic selection of deployment areas. By taking these steps, we can better position our government to monitor and adapt to an evolving economic and fiscal environment to safeguard our ability to provide critical services for our residents. Investingin Our Organization and Workforce Overthe pasttwo fiscal years we've invested in the health of our organization through an assessment of the organization and addressing areas where staffing is not in line with the expectations of the levels of service provided. We have also invested in our employees; they are the heart and soul of our organization and work diligently to serve the residents of Indian River County. Our mission, Dedicated to Indian River County through Service Excellence, cannot just be a statement. It must permeate throughoutthe entire organization. Part of that includes ensuringwe are appropriately staffed •to meet the demands and challenges of our community, and we are taking care of those who take care of our customers, the residents and businesses of Indian River County. • Over the past two fiscal years, we have thoughtfully invested in staffing, adding 72.15 full time positions, including Constitutionals, and reorganized divisions and functions to better align resources with community expectations. Our 2024/2025 workforce surpassed pre -Great Recession levels, ensuringwe meet evolving service demands. While needs still exist, in the current environment of uncertainty, we must be sensible in how we continue to renourish the organization. Departments submitted 90 requests to add (52) or reclassify (38) positions. Reclassifying some roles gives our departments the abilityto adapt to changes by using current employees to tackle new and expanded duties. The following table depicts those new positions requested and those recommended for FY 2025/2026. Full & Part Time by Department/Division NEW Requested NEW Recommended Reclass Requested Reclass Recommended County Attorney 3 3 Community Services 1 1 - - Parks, Recreation & Conservation 13 5 4 4 Emergency Services 5 3 3 4 Office of Management & Budget 2 2 - - Human Resources 2 1 - - Information Technology - - 5 1 Natural Resources -2 * -2 * 2 1 Planning & Development Services 2 * 2 * - - Building & Facilities Services 13 it 1 - Public Works 12 4 8 3 Utility Services/SWDD 4 1 12 6 Total Positions Added 52 28 38 22 * Indicates transfer of two full-time personnelfrom Natural Resources to Planning & Development Services