Public Hearing on the 2009 Skagit County Budget

Public Hearing on the 2009 Skagit County Budget December 2, 2008

2009 Budget Process n n n July – Budget call and software training August – Departments submitted budgets September through October – Administrative Staff met with departments, reviewed requests, compiled recommendations n n n October – Individual Department meetings with Board of County Commissioners November 18 – Preliminary Budget Available December 2 – Public Hearing to consider testimony

2009 Budget Process n n n Departments asked to maintain 10% reduction in supplies and services Departments asked to submit a budget that provided the same level of service for 2009 Requests from departments showed a $3. 7 million shortfall

2009 Budget Process n n Departments given further instructions by the Board to assist in balancing the budget. Responses included: n n Increased Revenues Reduction in supplies and services Reduction in programs Reduction in staffing n n General Fund – 12. 475 FTE’s, 4. 875 Vacant Non General Fund – 24. 2 FTE’s, 7 vacant

2009 Budget Process n Other items to balance the budget included: $500, 000 - Increased PILT revenues n $350, 000 - Levy banked capacity / Levy shift n $350, 000 – Attrition n $500, 000 – negotiated concessions n General Wage Adjustment exceptions n

2009 and Beyond n Quarterly budget reviews n Uncertain revenues n Sales Tax n n n Change from 2007 to 2008 is -7. 8% Similar decrease from 2008 to 2009 = $637, 500 Uncertain expenses n Extraordinary Criminal Justice Expenses

What’s Next? n Final Budget Adoption on December 9 th n n Public Hearing on Property Tax Levies on December 16 th n n 8: 30 am in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room 1: 30 pm in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room Adoption for Property Tax Levies on December 23 rd on Consent Agenda n 8: 00 am in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room

Public Hearing