Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
In order to address increasing health costs, we recommend that the Board of County Commissioners <br />continue to evaluate and consider the need to self-fund health insurance costs. The advantage of self- <br />insuring our healthcare costs provides the County control over the design of the plan, and potential cost <br />savings over a traditional health insurance plan. <br />Our post- employment health insurance benefits (OPEB) unfunded liability continues to grow, and now <br />stands at $63.7 million as of June 30, 2012, Our current required annual contribution is $5.3 million per <br />year. We are recommending appropriating $3 million of excess fund balance over the 17% fund balance <br />requirement at the conclusion of the annual audit to fund the annual cost. These funds are maintained in <br />a self-funded trust established in FY 2012-11 <br />The FY 2013-14 recommended budget is balanced as submitted. It does not require a tax increase. It <br />does not address every public need. It does maintain most services and programs at acceptable levels. <br />We anticipate actions that will place new financial demands on future budgets requiring new revenues. <br />Future budgets will be more difficult to balance without property tax increases or major reductions in <br />programs and services provided by the County. Diversifying the tax base and local government revenue <br />options for Orange County is a priority. <br />I am extremely proud of Orange County and all of its staff - department directors, supervisors, and <br />employees. They are working harder. They are committed to providing excellent service to our residents <br />regardless of economic challenges. Department directors have collaborated to compile operating <br />budgets that meet the Board of County Commissioner's directives. This budget preserves our <br />commitment to public safety, human services, and education as Orange County's highest priorities. <br />Staff and I look forward to reviewing the operating budget and related documents with you during <br />upcoming budget work sessions, We strive to provide you with information you need to consider and <br />approve a FY 2013-14 Orange County budget on or before your anticipated final meeting this fiscal year <br />on June 18, 2013. <br />We have much to be proud of in Orange County, <br />Frdh k W. C I i:f on, Jr. <br />County M,4ager <br />11 <br />