BARTOW, Fla. (July 7, 2009) – Today, County Manager Mike Herr announced proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2009/10, which in accordance with the law will be formally presented by July 15, 2009.
Polk County Government is facing the largest revenue shortfall in our history, and while some demand for services has lessened – especially those services related to development and construction – others have increased significantly along with the County’s population – particularly those related to helping people.
The proposal detailed today addresses only the County’s general fund – which is the portion of the county’s budget that is largely supported by tax dollars. In creating the budget, the County leadership team challenged themselves to strike the right balance between funding for: critical infrastructure, programs that serve citizens and fairly compensating employees…while ensuring that public safety is not compromised.
“While there are certainly many negative impacts…as an organization, WE are focused on the opportunities to continue providing citizen services with available resources.” said County Manager Mike Herr.
The budget balancing process began with a $49.7 million revenue shortfall. The shortfall was reduced to approximately $10 million through a series of actions, including expense reductions, use of one time monies, budget concessions from the Constitutional Officers and implementing multiple efficiencies.
The proposed General Fund budget eliminates 76 full-time positions, including six through a management re-organization which will result in a $500,000 to $800,000 savings. There are also position downgrades and program consolidations, with additional reductions/downgrades and consolidations still under review. The proposal impacts the seven priority areas as follows:
1) Basic Needs – eliminate 1 vacant and 23 filled positions, reduce programs funding by $1,550,732
2) Economic Development – reduce program funding by $375,000
3) Good Government – eliminate 14 vacant and 9 filled positions, reduce programs funding by $2,205,321
4) Growth & Infrastructure – eliminate 2 vacant and 12 filled positions, reduce programs funding by $1,205,417
5) Natural Resources/Environment – eliminate 2.5 filled positions, reduce programs funding by $359,257
6) Recreation & Cultural Arts – eliminate 1 vacant and 4 filled positions, reduce programs funding by $2,619,083
7) Safety – eliminate 1 vacant and 1 filled position, reduce programs funding by $91,418
Employees will also be impacted through changes in compensation and benefits. Employees will not receive Cost of Living Allowances (COLA) or salary step increases for FY09/10 and FY 10/11. The employees’ share for health insurance costs will increase. Based on employee preference survey results, the recommendations eliminate service awards, exceptional performance awards, safety incentives and tuition reimbursement. Employees will also be required to take five furlough days per employee – unless covered by collective bargaining agreements, which are currently being negotiated.
These recommendations result in a balanced FY 09/10 budget with approximately $640,000 still available for possible re-programming. The Board can use the money to buy back positions, reduce program budget cuts, or mitigate next year’s anticipated revenue shortfall.
Each of the five board members have been briefed individually, and based on their ongoing feedback, today’s proposal will likely be changed…probably all the way up to the final adoption of the FY 09/10 budget on Sept. 10.
Detailed spreadsheets and additional information available by calling the Communications Division at (863) 534-6090.
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