Budgets yet again…

When we approved the preliminary 2008 Budget back in June “because we did not want any more October surprises”, little did we know our October surprise would be the 2007 Budget. 
2007 started out as strong as had been forecast, but by the time we received the March report from the state in mid May we knew we were going to need a robust summer to meet projections. The City of Colorado Springs, who collects their own sales tax and therefore know their numbers at least 30 days before we do, had some encouraging news in July and then August which was a bright spot so we anticipated the county sales tax revenue would follow suit. Did not happen.

We should receive our September report by the middle of November, but we are beyond thinking 2007 is going to finish with a flourish. Even the major retailers are discounting Christmas merchandise three weeks before the traditional shopping season begins on fears this will be a weak shopping season.
That said, with an anticipated 4.1 million dollar anticipated shortfall out of a 108 million dollar General Fund Budget and only 60 days to get it balanced, we are looking at taking some pretty drastic measures to not be in a negative situation at the end of the year. The shortfall is only 3.7%, but with most of the offices and departments budgets pretty well spent by the beginning of the 10th month we find we are looking at implementing a spending freeze and canceling purchase orders.

The County has not used employee furloughs for several years but, unfortunately, we may have to resort to their use again. Employees would have the option to use accrued vacation time during the furlough. But not all employees have 6 days of unused vacation time available. To maximize the cost savings to the County, the Commissioners are looking at closing the county office buildings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after Christmas. This would allow us to also realize significant utilities savings. During the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas the county may operate on a ten hour day four day work week, again to take advantage of utility savings.

The Sheriff’s Office would continue normal operations in the patrol and jail operations. Some Department of Human Services and Coroner functions as well as the District Attorney and Court services would continue on a limited basis as necessary to meet statutory and public safety needs as mandated.
After a final decision is made, we will announce the closure schedule for the four day work week. Currently, discussions are ongoing with the other elected officials to see what day works best for the majority of their offices.

CONTACT THE WRITER • HISEY4CD4@MSN.COM

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