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