Bob's Update - October 5, 2009
In this week's update I'd like to draw your attention to three important agenda items that the Board of Commissioners will consider later this week; and provide an update on the continuing discussion with our labor partners on compensation and benefit adjustments.
Each of these subjects
are major milestones in the budget process, and all lead to the final
adoption of the 2010/2011 budget on November 18th.
- PRELIMINARY BUDGET SUMMARY: This summary, published
every two years, provides recommended budget information in various formats
to accommodate different interests and reading styles, and it's so much
more than just numbers. The summary tells the story of Washtenaw County and
how each step of the budget process led to the recommended 2010/2011
budget - it's a wealth of information. This summary will be
presented to the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday and the final
publication will be done upon the adoption of the budget in November. The
presentation and
summary are both available
online.
- INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENTATION: The Board will
receive a presentation at Thursday's Working Session on
Infrastructure Allocations for the 2010/2011 Recommended Budget.
This presentation will provide an overview of the County's approach to
infrastructure, the allocation process and the recommended budget. We
need to give the organization and the Board some assurance that while we're
making modifications to the infrastructure dollars whether they be capital,
technology or professional development, that our infrastructure remains
strong. The presentation will identify necessary adjustments and a
plan for maintaining the essential functions of our infrastructure. If you
cannot attend Thursday's Working Session I encourage you to view the webcast
online.
- BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING: The community has been given
several opportunities throughout the budget process to express their
concerns and to provide their feedback on the proposed 2010/2011
budget. Dedicating an entire evening to hear comments on the budget
is unusual but necessary, due to the community's overwhelming interest. At
Wednesday's Board meeting the Board will officially set the Public Hearing
for Thursday, October 22nd to allow additional public comment before
beginning their final deliberations on the budget.
- UPDATE ON LABOR: Human Resources and Labor Relations
Director Diane Heidt continues to work with our labor partners to adjust
compensation and benefits, and is making tremendous progress. Several
bargaining units have already agreed to concessions, and the bargaining
units that comprise AFSCME are schedule to vote on a tentative agreement
tomorrow evening. I'm optimistic that we will come to agreement with all 17
bargaining units, representing over 80% of our employees, and be able to
present those agreements to the Board at the October 21stWays and Means
meeting.
Thank you for staying informed and please feel free to let me know what you think, below or by email.
Thank you.
Bob
