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HomeMy WebLinkAbout068 99 Qé: ~ \\ ært> ~1d.4h9 STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson In The Matter of Establishing Budget Objectives for the 2000 Jefferson County Budget } } } RESOLUTION NO. 68-99 WHEREAS, State shared revenue from the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax may be eliminated by citizen initiative (1-695) this fall, and tax and fee increases will be subject to voter approval if the voters adopt 1-695; and, WHEREAS, efforts to reduce the impact ofI-695, if passed, should be made in 1999; and, WHEREAS, Jefferson County must prioritize services to meet citizen health and safety needs; and, WHEREAS, adequate funding reserves need to be maintained for each operating budget to provide for emergencies and for cash flow; and, WHEREAS, the future economic vitality of Jefferson County needs to be maintained and enhanced. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VED, that the Board of County Commissioners hereby establish the following budget objectives to guide development and adoption of the 2000 Jefferson County Budget: 1. Initiative 695, if passed by the voters of Washington State, will eliminate Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and require voter approval of all tax and fee increases by local government. . Each department needs to prepare budgets for both the pass/fail scenarios. Budget expenditures cannot exceed available revenue. Departments shall prepare a status quo base budget (if 1-695 fails) with all proposed increases identified as adds. . In addition: 1. All General Fund supported departments shall prepare 1-695 impacted budgets assuming a decrease in base budget by 3%. 2. Health and Human Services shall prepare an 1-695 impacted budget based on the estimated loss of revenue from MVET. 3. Law and Justice departments shall also prepare 1-695 impacted budgets assuming a decrease in base budget by 6%. 2. Additional General Fund budget revenue may be dependent on whether 1-695 passes. . The status quo base budget assumes property tax growth will be limited based on the Implicit Price Deflator. Property tax increases up to the maximum allowed by law (106%) may need to be considered to help maintain service levels. . IfI-695 passes, property tax and fee increases will subject to voter approval. . A high priority will be given to funding services from grant or other sources not limited by 1-695. 3. Total staffing as measured in 40 hour Full Time Equivalents (F.T.E.'s) will be limited based on available revenues. . The status quo base budget shall maintain 1999 levels with any increases identified as adds. Departments shall provide a breakdown of staffing in comparison to programs and services. 25 í'~~;: 708 .','OL Resolution No. 68-99 Objectives for the 2000 Jefferson County Budget Page: 2 . If 1-695 passes, a net reduction of between 15 and 20 employees may be required. Department budgets shall include staffing reductions as part of their 1-695 impacted budgets. 4. Law and Justice budget increases will be dependent on increases in state shared revenues. . The status quo base budget for 2000 shall assume that the increase in criminal justice funding (approximately $100,000) is available for service improvements. . Allowance needs to be made for increases in costs for Juvenile detention services. . Priority shall be given to funding the South County Sheriffs office. . Law and Justice departments shall prepare 1-695 impact budgets with a 3% overall reduction and a 6% overall reduction. The Law and Justice offices shall prepare a joint budget recommendation to meet this objective. 5. Funding shall be set aside to allow for cost increases due to labor contract negotiations. . Budget limitations may require staff reductions to accommodate contract increases. IfI-695 passes, staffing reductions will be necessary. 6. Consider development of intergovernmental relationships to develop program efficiencies and enhance capabilities of agencies within Jefferson County. . Review the Information Services and IDMS Services with the City of Port Townsend to determine potential sharing of services. 7. Departments shall identify all costs related to each fee or permit. . Building Permits, Environmental Health Permits, Development Review Fees, Health Fees, Animal Service Permits, and Recreation Fees shall all be reviewed. A review of rates for the past five years shall be included. 8. Departments shall prepare narrative information to support budget requests. . Narratives shall provide background on program changes and impacts anticipated by 1-695. 9. A minimum reserve of 10% shall be maintained for all operating funds. . The General Fund reserve shall be a minimum of 10% of expenditures. . Reserves for all other operating funds shall be set at a minimum of 10%. Departments shall be responsible for funding the reserve from existing and projected revenues. 10. Funding for working with advisory boards and citizen groups shall be prioritized based on function and need. . Departments supporting advisory boards and citizen groups shall provide narrative information outlining the board or groups role, long-term need and impact. . Departments shall also prepare cost histories and projections related to providing support. 11. Funding shall be provided in the Non-departmental budget for training support to match General Fund department training budgets. . Departments shall prepare employee training plans identifying type of training and anticipated budgetary expenses. 12. Priority shall be given for efforts to support economic development strategies. . Develop spending plan in consultation with the City of Port Townsend and the Port of Port Townsend for Distressed Counties Facilities Fund that will provide support for economic development. . Consider increasing support for the Economic Development Council in coordination with the City and Port, and specifically in support of the EDC Recruitment Plan.. . Support development of economic ombudsman group to assist potential businesses through permit processes. ~ VOL 25 íx,~709 Resolution No. 68-99 Objectives for the 2000 Jefferson County Budget Page: 3 13. Priority will be given for efforts that support strategic plan objectives. . Support will be given to efforts that focus resources in support of adopted strategic plan objectives. . Support watershed and salmon recovery efforts with funding from state and federal sources. 14. Priority will be given to addressing long term capital facility needs for the County. . A new Law and Justice Facility and improvements to the historical County Courthouse need to be funded through voter-approved bonds. . Referendum 49 provides funds for distressed counties (approximately $207,000 for 2000). Jefferson County will not be eligible to receive these funds when the county no longer meets the distressed county definition. These funds, while available, shall be dedicated to the Law and Justice Facility capital program. BE IT FURTHER RESOL VED, that the Board of County Commissioners hereby directs all departments to delay hiring of any permanent, non-essential staff positions if un- filled until the voters decide on Initiative 695; and that before a position is recruited, the Department is required to get pre-approval from the Board. Adopted this 16th day of August, 1999. SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS D£~l(~ ATTEST: ~~y~Jt2, Clerk of the Board VOi- ")5 ""'... !.... r~r;; /10