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COUNTY FINANCE FOR THE FUTURE: Exploring The New Reality of Government in the New Economy and Current Political Climate September 24 th , 2012 David C. Maturen, Chair Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners.
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COUNTY FINANCE FOR THE FUTURE:Exploring The New Reality of Government in the New Economy and Current Political ClimateSeptember 24th, 2012David C. Maturen, ChairKalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
VISION: A Diverse and Dynamic Community with a Healthy Economy and Environment where People and Businesses have the Opportunity to Thrive
Overarching Strategies2003 thru present • Budget Forecasting/Five Year Budgets • Sustainable Financial Practices • Employee Compensation • Innovative Practices
Implementation Strategies2007 thru 2012 • Head count relatively flat (741 – 745) • Salary schedule increases less than revenue growth (5.5%) • Employee benefits remain stable (40% blended) • 10% • 36.5% • 57%
Innovative Best Practices Culture 3 Examples: Mandated Service: Jail and Revenue Sharing Internal Function: Employee Health Care Initiatives Optional Service: Parks, Expo Center & Trails
Jail and Revenue Sharing2005 thru present The Problem(s): • 2 failed jail millage requests • Elimination of revenue sharing, creation of revenue sharing reserve The Solution/Approach: • Revenue sharing reserve shifted to capital • Self-imposed austerity program • Dual goals • self-fund jail solution • eliminate reliance on uncertain future funding
Employee Health Care Initiatives The Problem: Rapidly increasing (double digit) yearly health care costs for employees The Solution/Approach: • Implemented data-driven measurable program with successful track record from local private sector one-to-one coaching firm. • Instituted 100% self funded health plan; modified benefits to emphasize personal responsibility and prevention.
Employee Health Care Initiatives The Results: • Self funding • Design changes • Nationally recognized best practice wellness program • 80% participation • No appreciable increase in Health Care Expenses in last 5 years More healthy, productive and satisfied workforce; with positive impact on their families.
Parks, Expo Center &Trails The Problem: Budget difficulties in 2004 questioned ability for ongoing funding of Parks (non-mandated service); talk of closing a park that year. • The Solution/Approach: • Goal established: self-sufficiency in 10 years • Concentrated customer-driven focus • Emphasized community partnerships
Parks, Expo Center &Trails The Results: Over the last 5-6 years: • Park Attendance Up 79% • >1 million visitors/year! • Non-Tax Park Revenue Up 69% ($439,310) • From 46% General Fund Support to 18% • Nearly $2 million in Endowments • Closer relationships with community partners • Expo Center >300,000 visitors; 12,000 overnights