Public Hearing on the 2009 Skagit County Budget

1. Public Hearingon the 2009Skagit County Budget December 2, 2008

2. 2009 Budget Process • July – Budget call and software training • August – Departments submitted budgets • September through October – Administrative Staff met with departments, reviewed requests, compiled recommendations • October – Individual Department meetings with Board of County Commissioners • November 18 – Preliminary Budget Available • December 2 – Public Hearing to consider testimony

3. 2009 Budget Process • Departments asked to maintain 10% reduction in supplies and services • Departments asked to submit a budget that provided the same level of service for 2009 • Requests from departments showed a $3.7 million shortfall

4. 2009 Budget Process • Departments given further instructions by the Board to assist in balancing the budget. • Responses included: • Increased Revenues • Reduction in supplies and services • Reduction in programs • Reduction in staffing • General Fund – 12.475 FTE’s, 4.875 Vacant • Non General Fund – 24.2 FTE’s, 7 vacant

5. 2009 Budget Process • Other items to balance the budget included: • $500,000 - Increased PILT revenues • $350,000 - Levy banked capacity / Levy shift • $350,000 – Attrition • $500,000 – negotiated concessions • General Wage Adjustment exceptions

6. Quarterly budget reviews Uncertain revenues Sales Tax Change from 2007 to 2008 is -7.8% Similar decrease from 2008 to 2009 = $637,500 Uncertain expenses Extraordinary Criminal Justice Expenses 2009 and Beyond

7. What’s Next? • Final Budget Adoption on December 9th • 8:30 am in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room • Public Hearing on Property Tax Levies on December 16th • 1:30 pm in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room • Adoption for Property Tax Levies on December 23rd on Consent Agenda • 8:00 am in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room

8. Public Hearing