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Budget Message <br /> To: Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> From: Laura 8.Blackmon,County Manager <br /> Subject: Recommended FY 2009-10 Annual Operating Budge <br /> Date: May 12,2009 <br /> Per North Carolina General Statute 159-11. I submit to you the Recommended FY 200910 <br /> Annual Operating Budget for Orange County. The proposed General Fund budget totals <br /> *177.589.039. It reflects a decrease of$5.4 million,or 3%,from the current year original budget <br /> of$183,005,580. I believe this funding plan meets Board mrecu,00, allows for opening new <br /> facilities,addresses many County priorities,and supports employees. <br /> Over the last several months Commissioners have heard from many County residents who are <br /> finding it increasingly difficult to pay taxes and meet other financial obligations. With that in <br /> mind Commissioners directed me to balance the County's operating budget at the revenue <br /> neutral tax rate. The Board also directed me to prepare a budget funding local school districts <br /> at 48.1% of the County's General Fund. While my recommended funding plan attains both of <br /> those goals,balancing the budget within these guidelines was not an easy task. It has required <br /> difficult funding decisions regarding services and programs. Budget decreases mean everyone <br /> eoxou|o, non-profit agencies and county departments — receives less money next year than <br /> they received this year. <br /> FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 Difference <br /> County Departments $94'475'580 $92'164,*71 ($2,311'109) <br /> Total%of General Fund 51.6% 51.9% <br /> Local School Districts $88,530'000 $85'*24,568 ($3'105'432) <br /> Total%of General Fund *8.4u 48zm <br /> Revenues <br /> The County receives revenue from many sources. Major revenues include property and sales <br /> taxox, monies from other governments, and fees for services. Early in the budget planning <br /> process staff alerted the Board of anticipated revenue reductions in all these areas for the <br /> upcoming year. For the most part, decreases are the result of reduced consumer spending, <br /> declining construction and housing mameto, and reductions in State monies to support county <br /> operations. The State's fiscal condition continues to deteriorate. Each day brings new <br /> information for us to consider as we enter the final stages of balancing the County's budget for <br /> the upcoming year. As an example, late last week Governor Perdue announced additional <br /> funding cuts to include furloughs and reduced pay for teachers and other state employees. <br />