Minutes 03-04-2010 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Gordon said that it has been mentioned to have longer times for not filling positions. In terms of County operations, it did have an impact last year on County operations. She said that, although it saves money, there could be some adverse affects on County operations. Frank Clifton said that this will have an impact on County services but he wants to bring a balanced budget. He said that some services he brings back will be reduced or deleted. As they reduce staffing, when the Board of County Commissioners gives the staff items to do at a Board meeting, the list will get longer, but it will take longer to do this. He wants to mitigate as much as possible the affects to County services. Commissioner Jacobs said that he does not want to take away jobs from people that work for the County. He said that he would hope that the Manager will help the County Commissioners provide a good level of service. 3. Budget Related Staffing Discussion Frank Clifton spoke about the functions of County government. He said that in the departments there is some duplication of services. Roughly half of the budget goes to education and the only place to substantially reduce County operations is through personnel costs. He made reference to the attachment with the vacancy report. Approximately 90+ vacant positions equate to about $3.3 million. He said that there is going to be a push for Emergency Services employees. He said that the reality is that there will have to be a reduction in about 80-100 positions. He said that if the Board of County Commissioners is committed to bringing a balanced budget without a tax increase, then he will shoot for 100+ vacant positions to be deleted. There will be some moving around of administrative staff to fill some of the vacant positions without changing the salaries. If someone does not want to move, then they will have to leave. He said that all departments will be involved. He said that Orange County is not having as tough a time as some other counties. Commissioner Yuhasz said that the $5 million has to come out of the County side of the budget and he does not like this. He wants to look at both the County side and the education side. Frank Clifton said that he based this on the County side because he does not see the County's total budget changing, but a shift in expenses. The reality is, unless there is an agreement reached between the school boards, the total County budget will not change, except where the money is spent and how it is spent. Chair Foushee said that yesterday there was a school collaboration meeting and the revenues will be the same this year as last year. If there are more students, then there is already a reduction. She said that there should be an understanding that this will stretch across the entire County. Commissioner Yuhasz said that this is a reduction of services to the public and no one entity should bear it all. Commissioner Nelson said that he is supportive of this item and the previous item, but he is concerned about the loss of institutional memory. However, with the reorganizations, there have been more efficiencies. He is still supportive of no tax increase. Commissioner Pelissier echoed Commissioner Nelson's comments. She appreciates the approach of the Manager because she was afraid that they were going to have to lay off staff. She likes the team approach to this situation. Frank Clifton said that it is also his intent in the budget process to create an opportunity to set aside some money and give a one-time incentive payment to employees if certain goals are achieved to show appreciation.