Bob's Update - August 10, 2009

I'll be the first one to say that the non-mandated services identified in the phase II budget reduction options are valuable services - if they weren't we wouldn't be doing them.  

At last Wednesday's Ways and Means meeting I presented the Phase II 2010/11 budget reduction options to the Board of Commissioners.   These options included the reduction or elimination of many worthwhile programs, and undoubtedly will directly impact the community and the organization.

It's important to remember, however, that these are only options at the present time -- not my recommendation. No decisions have been made. There are no easy choices, and over the next few months the Board will deliberate the proposed alternatives and determine where the necessary budget reductions will be necessary.

• Valuable County Programs Identified as Budget Reduction Options: Over the years, the Board has decided to support discretionary services like Head Start, MSU Extension, J-Port, Mental Health services, etc. because they bring a tremendous value to the Community.  This was evident in the passion of the public speakers at last week's meeting.
  
  Last Wednesday, supporters of these programs filled the Board room and packed the lobby to share their stories about how these programs have changed their lives. One after another for nearly 90 minutes, citizens shared their concerns over the reduction options and the Board listened intently to each one.
  
• Budget Process: Presenting the phase II 2010/11 budget reduction options to the Board marked another important milestone in the budget process. We are nearing the end of this painful restructuring, and soon the Board will have all the necessary information to address the projected deficit in the 2010/11 budget. The remaining major milestones are:
  
• • September 11th - 2010/11 Budget Adjustment Recommendations Phase II will be posted to the web
  • September 16th - I will present my 2010/11 Budget Adjustment Recommendations Phase II to the Board
  • November 18th - The Board is scheduled to adopt a balanced budget

As I've said before, there’s no silver bullet, no solitary solution to resolve our financial crisis. We shared the most recent reduction options with the Board to demonstrate the magnitude of the situation. My hope is that we will realize sufficient savings elsewhere in order to protect some of the essential non-mandated services that are threatened by this deficit.

Thank you for staying informed and feel free to ask questions here or by email.

Bob