Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth.”
This is budget season. The County is not broke! A few years ago the savings account was approximately $8 million, there is approximately $6 million now available (high estimate). When the commission cannot keep a balanced budget, money is drawn out from this savings account. Money has been drawn out for the last few years and with a estimated $675,000 in 2016, and $550,000 in 2017. It is projected the budget could be balanced by 2021, leaving a balance of $3,030,603.00.
There are two ways to correct the budget, one add taxes, fees and licenses or cut expenses. Last year the commissioners added a franchise fee to the electric bill. This year they want to add a county license, leisure fee, fuel tax, etc. (Remember the voters can vote on taxes, not on fees!)
There is a negotiating committee working with the county employees union. This could help the county balance the budget or it could increase the problems with the budget.
County Commission & Fire Commission Budget Workshop, April 6, 2016
Public comment
Randy Long “At the meeting yesterday, 10% wage decrease was ruled out, now I feel singled out. I want you to know to reduce my pay is wrong.”
George Chachas “You can not tax your way into prosperity, you need to make cuts.”
Perea “Our projected balance is just under $5 million for this year. We don’t want to make such severe cuts that our safety is jeopardized.”
Gary Perea said all departments needed to cut 10%.
Frances “Department heads say they have worked hard to reduce, the Commissioners should take action and not rely on departments to make the decisions. This is causing morale problems and fighting amongst departments.”
Cuts in the budget are –
1. Departments cut 10% (Departments say – we can’t without cutting hours or pay.)
2. Cut the amount paid to the Chamber of commerce from $600. to $450.
3. Cuts to the Library.
4. Do not hire a County Manager.
(This is very little, but the is A preliminary budget to send to the state and can be changed in the next months.)
Richard Howe does have a plan –
Human Resources cut 10% travel
Human Resources cut 10% office supplies
Human Resources reduce salary
IT- Eliminate BCT & hire IT Engineer
Sheriff reduce one position
Fire – reduce equipment or positions
Clerk – reduce 1/2 position
Recorder/Treasurer – combine jobs
Public Health Nurse – reduce 1/2 position
DA – contract Public Guardian position
Justice Court – reduce 1/2 position
Juvenile Protection – reduce 1/2 position
Maintenance – reduce 1/2 position depending retirement
Library – reduce 1 position
Airport – possible agreement with NDOT
EDC – reduce 80 hours to part time under Treasurer
Natural Resources – no new hire
Combine 1/2 positions in Maintenance/Finance
Assessor – reduce 1/2 time position
Savings $681,509.
Employees pay 10% of insurance ($64,767)
Social Service/Senior Center Director to one position ($41,819)
Road reduce one job ($66,351)
Roads – no promotions ($13,965)
Golf Course – 10% salary reduction ($5,118)
Golf Course – eliminate dependent insurance ($11,254)
Howe “This would get it done now.”
Coster “Richard I can not go along with all, but some of your ideas are good”
Perea “We are not going to consider any of this, Richard.”
Carson “If we cut hours from 8 to 7 a day, that would be a 12% cut.”
Coster “We have a duty to employees as well as the people out there.”
Cuts in the budget are –
1. Departments cut 10% (Departments say – we can’t without cutting hours or pay.)
2. Cut the amount paid to the Chamber of commerce from $600. to $450.
3. Cuts to the Library.
4. Do not hire a County Manager
A vote was taken. Passed with Coster voting no.
(Howe’s suggestions may not all be possible, but each one should be discussed and voted up or down. Travel is important in some of the departments, but all travel needs to be reduced. Sheriff and Fire department are safety and would not like to see them cut personal. Maybe these items will be discussed in full with others, before the final budget is sent to the state. Then we can only keep our finger crossed they stick to the budget.
One thing about the 1 hour a day taken off an eight hour day, does not quite come out as 12%, you must take in account that less taxes, etc will be taken out.)
WPCSD
Board Member Mary Kerner
Meeting Recap from Tuesday, April 5th. There were alot of people in attendance and the meeting was moved at the last minute to accomodate the crowd. White Pine Middle School did a great presentation! Some Items of interest that were approved were: The alternative school schedule (4 day week, has to be sent to the dept. of ED every year), Lund Senior class trip (they are paying 100% on their own), a new partnership with K12 education for some distance learning resources, class size reduction plan and the school calendar for next year (option #1 on the survey – Start date Aug. 22nd with spring break the week of April 17th and the last day May 25th.) The budget cuts were the most talked about and likely what drew the large crowd. We had very respectful public comment. Here are some of them: Bridgett Bath “We need to find creative solutions.” Todd Parry “Athletics affect childrens social, emotional and physoclogical well being.” Leif Tokerud “We need all parts working together.” Alisha Parry “These programs build our youth.” Chris Brewer “Losing these programs would be devasting to our kids.” Paula Forrester “We will do anything it takes.” Nevada Senator Pete Goicoechea “I will talk to the Governor and see about bridge funding relief.”
It’s such a tough spot for everyone. It’s heartbreaking. There will be a Budget Work Session on Monday, April 11th and White Pine High School Library at 6 pm. If you have thoughts or ideas, please come and offer discussion. If you can’t make it, send me your comments ahead of time to be read at the meeting. You can send them to me on here, via email marykerner@gmail.com, or you can call me at 775-293-0809.
Thanks to Mary Kerner for a good recap of the School Board meeting.
Once again I encourage you to call the commissioners and give them your thoughts, they need it.
Laurie Carson 293-3134
Mike Coster 293-2933
Richard Howe 287-2851
Carol McKenzie 238-5384
Gary Perea. 293-7356