Agenda - 03-05-2009 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 plans to provide the Board with additional fiscal information related to this topic at March 3 regular meeting. This information will consist of an analysis that compares the FY 2009-10 projected revenues with current year revenues. The analysis will also offer a snapshot of funding allocations for County and School functions. Staff will also provide the Board with a calendar of upcoming budget work sessions and identify outcomes anticipated from the work sessions. It is safe to say the County's revenue base for the upcoming fiscal year will be lower than the current year base. It is also valid to project costs to meet increased service demands for basic needs will be higher in FY 2009-10 than in the current year. These factors, coupled with the Board's decision on February 12, 2009 not to increase the tax rate above the revenue neutral rate, lead staff to assess and prioritize current programs and services. 2) Proposed Service Reductions — Community Services Departments • Recommended Board Action — The County Manager recommends the Board comment on proposed service reductions for Community Services Departments. In light of the less than optimistic revenue picture anticipated for FY 2009-10, the County Manager directed department heads to submit funding requests that were less than their original FY 2008-09 approved budget. The dollar amount of the decrease is equivalent to 10% of the sum of the department's overtime, non- permanent (i.e. temporary) and operations line items. In order to meet the 10% reduction target, the Manager directed department directors to look holistically at their department and propose reductions in, and in some instances elimination of, non-mandated services and activities. During work sessions tonight and March 24, the County Manager and department heads plan to share their thoughts and proposals for achieving the appropriation reduction target. Tonight's work session offers an opportunity for Community Services departments to present their budget highlights and service proposals. (See Attachment 1 of this agenda abstract). During the March 24 work session, Development Services and Internal Services department directors will share similar service proposals with the Board. For the most part, Community Services departments are those departments that provide direct services to the community at large. This group of departments includes Social Services, Health, Housing, Child Support Enforcement, Emergency Services, Aging, Orange Public Transportation (OPT), Animal Control and Library. The Manager recommends the Board provide direction • regarding the service proposals presented by each department and make decisions regarding proposed service delivery changes. 3) Funding Matrix • Recommended Board Action — The County Manager recommends the Board identify programs/services/activities for which additional information is needed.