I recently gave a presentation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding
the 2014 budget process. This afternoon, we will begin departmental hearings
with commissioners to provide information about our services, how we impact
citizens’ lives and the resources needed to deliver those services.
We are in the early stages of budget development, and if we do everything that
is requested in addition to our existing services, we would be facing a $5.7
million deficit for 2014. The commission has established a goal for us to
maintain financial integrity, so we will need to determine how we use our
resources and where we may reduce the level of services in some areas. The
budget hearings provide us an opportunity to present information to the
commissioners and to gather their feedback. Then, over the next two months, I
will work with the budget team to create a recommended budget to present to the
commission in July.
I believe our community’s economic condition is slowly improving. But, the
revenues (that fund services that citizens expect) are flat or growing very
slowly. That creates an imbalance when the cost of doing business increases. It
requires us to be even more innovative and collaborative across the organization
– and it makes us better.
I encourage you to follow the 2014 budget process as we move to adoption on
August 7. The county website will include not only video of the departmental
budget hearings, but also the recommended budget (in July) and any presentations
at commission meetings. These are always challenging times. But, while we have
made difficult decisions in the past to change the level of service we can
provide, we have continued to focus on the delivery of “quality” public
services. This is important. I believe our values and customer service guiding
principles help us to maintain this focus, and it requires our commitment,
dedication and professionalism. Thank you for making this a priority. If you
have any questions about the 2014 budget process, please contact your supervisor
or department head. I will share more information as we move through the
process.
-William P. Buchanan
