HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0750New Emniovees
This year, there was a request for 25.1 new positions compared to 25.5 new positions being requested for 2001-1
2002. I am recommending 11.6 positions compared to 14.5 positions recommended last year. Of the 11.6 positions,
34'/x % are in the sheriff's department, 52'/, % are in human services, and 13% in tax administration and land records.
Were other positions needed? 1 believe there was justification for some more; however, only the positions needed to
provide the absolute minimum level of service, or are being funded by outside resources, are being recommended.
The exception is in the tax office. By adding 1.5 more people, we can increase our revenue to more than offset the
cost.
Pay Increase
Last year employee salaries were adjusted by 3% across the board, but no funds for merit increases were)
appropriated. A merit system is very important to the employees of the county, and as a practical matter, without
such a system, we will soon build up a system that does not have internal equity, thereby leading to greater problems
down the road. This year I am recommending a 4% pay package, with 1.5% provided as an across the board increase
effective July 1, 2002, and the balance placed in a reserve to be awarded based on a performance appraisal.
SchoolFundine
The budget, as presented, includes an increase for current expense funding of $1,280,799 based entirely on increased
ADM. There is no increase in the per pupil rate of $1,107. However, 1 have set aside a 3% increase in the
contingency fund of $761,904, which can be appropriated as the state releases our reirnbursements. A schedule is
enclosed in the school section of the budget, which shows when schools will receive this money if the state doesn't
hold our reimbursements. School capital outlay appropriations include the actual amounts estimated for the 7.5¢ ad
valorem tax, the state restricted portions of the two one-half cent sales taxes, and the annual allotment of Public
School Building Capital Funds. Fiscal year 2002.2003 will include a full year's debt service on all existing debt
issued for school construction.
Other Budget Hiehliehts
I . The DSS director estimates that Medicaid costs will increase by 18% and will cost the county over $715,000
more in local funds.
2. $150,000 is appropriated for operating expenses for the Harmony Library.
3. Transportation services, a new department of the general fund, has been established to account for the
operating and capital costs formerly administered by the Iredell Vocational Workshop.
4. The budget includes general fund capital outlay appropriations of $776,672 including $214,700 in grant
funds providing vehicles for transportation services. Many of the replacement items not recommended for
funding in fiscal year 2002-2003 will have to be funded next fiscal year.
5. Funds are not included to renovate and operate a satellite jail (estimated to be over $700,000); however, the
Sheriffs proposal is included for your consideration.
6. The recommended funding level for most of the outside agencies included in special appropriations is at
95,50% of the 2001.02 funding level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the requests for 2002-03 came in at $103,552,665. I am recommending a budget of $100,570,450 or
a 2.88% reduction. However, it needs to be stated again that the proposed budget anticipates receipt of all
reimbursements. I am not sure this is the wisest course of action to take, so during the budget workshops the
Finance Director and I will discuss some alternatives, none that we are really excited about, but will allow for a
balanced budget just in case the state pulls the same stunt again this year as it has for the last two. I also want to
conclude by expressing deep appreciation for all the cooperation received from each department head. Without
exception, each came to the table in a spirit of cooperation, recognizing the difficult position the county is in and
willingly cooperating. I doubt, however, that this spirit can continue to spring forth as the demands for services'.
increase and resources to provide those services become scarcer. If the board approves the budget as presented, we
can make it through the year. Next year, however, the board needs to be prepared for increased requests and a
recommendation that more realistically recognizes the true needs of a progressive and fast growing county.
Submitted by Joel Mashburn, County Manager and Budget Officer
CLOSED SESSION: Citing G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) - Property Acquisition, Chairman
Tice at 8:50 p.m.ov to enter into closed session.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
(Return to Open Session at 9:10 p.m.)
ADJOURNMENT: At 9:10 p.m., Chairman TiceFov to continue the meeting to the
first budget session scheduled on Monday, May 13, 2002 at 5:30 p.m., in the South Wing
Conference Room of the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street,
Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Approved: Mita 1`t0 2
Clerk to the Board