In Part I we told you that after months of preparation the Board will consider adopting a draft FY 2010/11 budget this Tuesday. Part II is about the nuts and bolts of the County living within its means. There may be more to come after we know what the state does.
We’re not a large county. Our total budget is around $143 million. Perhaps our numbers don’t seem too bad, but proportionally, these are major setbacks. They’re going to hurt.
Over the last five years, the General Fund has dropped by almost $11.7 million and revenues are down 7.1% from last year. Board policy is to maintain a minimum of $1 million in a contingency fund, however this year it is proposed to contain just $750,000 and will likely be all that stands between us and draconian cuts that will have to be made after the state budget is approved.
While the cuts are being couched in terms of employee positions to be eliminated, what that actually means is a reduction in service levels to the public. These are just some of the actions being proposed: the “high” points, if you will.
Due to the privatization of Tuolumne General Hospital, the Visiting Nurses Association, and other cost-cutting actions, the Board has eliminated 270+ permanent positions over the time I’ve been in office. This year’s budget proposes to further reduce the workforce by 70 permanent employees (26 employees will be moved under a tri-county Child Support Services Department).
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After months of preparation, planning, and penny pinching (nice alliteration, eh?), the Board considers adopting a draft FY 2010/11 budget this Tuesday. What we will act on in a matter of hours has taken staff months to put together. But even as adopted it’s a long way from a done deal. It’s a work in progress. It will be one, two, three, or more months before the dysfunctional state legislature and the Governor give us a budget. Then we’ll cut some more. Oh, joy.
Over the last four years, in order to live within our means, the Board has adhered to critically important key principles: 1) don’t spend more than we take in; 2) maintain reasonable reserves and contingencies; and 3) minimize and promptly repay debt. These actions have enabled us to look beyond the immediate future to the long term. It’s a good thing.
Among precautionary measures taken were the closure of Tuolumne General Hospital, the establishment of the Tuolume County Economic Development Authority with the City of Sonora, projecting multi-year budgets, and being proactive to identify and eliminate unnecessary costs.
These have been both necessary and helpful, although in and of themselves they will not be enough to close a yawning gap between revenues and spending.
Beginning in March, the Board heard a number of presentations from Chief Administrative Officer, Craig Pedro. Here’s what we were told and how we responded:
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Congratulations are in order to Kristin Olsen for her win earlier tonight. During the campaign, I have been impressed with her intelligence and grace. She’s going to be a great Assembly Member and will serve us well.
One of the first things folks asked me after we saw the results was what will I do next. I haven’t thought a whole lot about what comes next, but do know that things will fall together. In the meantime, I have a lot of work to do between now and the end of the year when my term as District 3 Supervisor ends.
I appreciate each and every one of you – thank you for your support and kindness. At this point it appears that Evan Royce will be our next District 3 Supervisor. If so, I am confident that he will continue working on many of the projects I began, will represent you well, and I can trust him to look out for your best interests.
Again, thank you all. You’re the best!
Click here to listen to: Bill Jones’ call to 25th Assembly District residents
While we’re no fans of robo calls – especially this year – we made an exception in this case and hope you did too.
Former Secretary of State Bill Jones recorded a call on my behalf last week that we sent out to most areas of the District. He’s a widely respected friend of California, the Central Valley, and the Agricultural community. I am deeply honored to receive his endorsement and appreciate that he was willing to share his support with all of you.
Thanks, Bill!
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