Over the last six months we have been working towards a single goal: the delivery of strategic recommendations to the Board on June 3rd and we did that.  To me however, the process is nearly as important as the outcome, so I'm really proud of the budget process that got us to Phase 1 of the 2010/11 budget adjustment recommendations.

• Important Elements of the Budget Process: There were two very important elements that enhanced the effectiveness of the process beginning with the addition of two elected officials and one appointed Department Head which gave us important additional  insight into the organization. This is the same budget strategy team that will be working on Phase 2 of the 2010/11 budget adjustment recommendations.
  
  Second, we created a communication strategy where we could inform the organization about the issues, hear concerns and ideas, and then roll out the recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, our labor partners and the rest of the organization.  The mainstay of this strategy continues to be the Budget Process web site.  Our intent has always been to share as much information as we could throughout the entire budget process. We’re committed to doing the same for the next round of adjustments in the Fall. 
  
• Board of Commissioners Summer Schedule: During the summer months the Board meets once each month, so the next meeting is scheduled for July 8th. The Board approved the 2010/11 budget adjustment recommendations at their June 3rd Ways and Means meeting and we hope they will approve them at the July 8th Board meeting. The Board's meeting schedule is posted online. 
  
• Budget Process – What to Expect Next: During the next few weeks we will regroup and begin working on what the budget will look like in two parallel scenarios: one that will include successful union negotiations, and the other will be a list of alternative options being considered to balance the budget.  These options are  identified on pages 12 and 13 of  the 2010/11 budget adjustment recommendations memorandum .
  
• Union Negotiations:  One of the ground rules of negotiation is that all discussion remains confidential until there is a tentative agreement, or if both parties agree that they need to meet with their constituencies.
  
  

  "Bob's Update" is a weekly message to Washtenaw County employees from County Administrator Bob Guenzel.  eWashtenaw publishes these columns when they are deemed timely and useful to the wider community.  Please contact Administrator Guenzel with your comments.

  It is therefore most important that you realize that although the next few months may be quiet, understand that we are diligently working with our labor partners in an effort to address the necessary reductions in employee benefits and compensation.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you here or by email.

Bob