Agenda - 05-19-2009 - 7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Budget Message • Earlier in the budget planning process continued funding of County social workers for Orange County schools was questionable for next year. More recent indications from Congressman David Price's office are optimistic for continued funding. My recommended budget includes $572,000 for this initiative. Additional details regarding recommended funding levels for local school districts and Durham Technical Community College are located in the Education section of the document. County Programs and Services - Commissioners and County management are committed to offering core county services. More Orange County residents than ever before are facing economic challenges such as job losses. Those who are least able to provide for themselves and their families turn to the county for assistance. During difficult financial times it is the County's responsibility to serve as a safety net in assisting residents with food, shelter, and medical services. My recommended budget proposes some changes in the way Orange County does business. Examples of such changes include reduced hours of operation, closed facilities, and reassignment of staff. You will find specific information regarding recommended changes in each department's section of the document. Employee Pay and Compensation - The cost of pay and benefits make up a large portion of the County's operating budget. Human Resources staff analyzed a number of options to achieve savings in this area. My recommended budget proposes the following: • Funding a 4% increase in employee health insurance effective January 1 , 2010 • Maintaining the Living Wage at $10.12 an hour, as provided by the Board's living wage policy • No cost of living or in-range increases for employees • No furloughs for employees • Implementing specific elements of the Classification, Pay and Benefits Study (Archer Study) recommendations • Implementing a twelve-month hiring freeze for vacant positions • Offering incentives to employees eligible to retire according to the criteria established by the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System (NCLOERS) • Continuing longevity payments to employees with ten or more years of service with Orange County • Suspending non-mandated 401(k) contributions for non-law enforcement employees Details regarding employee pay and compensation are included in Appendix A of the budget document.