BC 2013 05 20 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 20, 2013 (Regular Meeting) Page 1544 Beginning in November 2012, all levels of staff worked together to implement a 360 degree review of the relevancy, effectiveness and efficiency of Cabarrus County programs and services. This included research, evaluation and consideration of changes in staffing levels, consolidation of departments' programs and /or services, and privatization of services —some of which are included in the proposed budget. At the core of this budget is a balance of needs with modest adjustments to operations that will move Cabarrus forward in the best interest of our residents. I recommend a General Fund Budget of $212,940,116. This is a proposed 2.55 percent increase in spending over the FY2013 amended budget. To fund this budget as proposed will require the Board of Commissioners to adopt an ad valorem tax rate of 70 cents. The proposed budget maintains existing levels of spending in most departments and allows for some growth in areas with increased service demands, especially law enforcement and human services, in order to meet the current and future needs of Cabarrus County residents. The proposed FY2014 budget revenue projections are based on the current economic reality and economic forecasts, which indicate positive signs of growth in coming years. Economic and Operational Impacts on County Budget 1. Due to positive economic growth, we expect a 2.55 percent increase in revenues for FY 2014. 2. During the Board of Commissioners' retreat in February, Professor John Chesser shared current trends and projections of expected growth in our County and throughout the region. He magnified the importance of preparing for the impact of growth —an increased need for public services. 3. Cabarrus County has experienced an increase in both commercial and residential growth over the last year. Increased activity in our Register of Deeds and Construction Standards departments supports theories of continued growth in building and, potentially, population during the next year. 4. Cabarrus County's unemployment rate is currently decreasing and on May 1, was at 8.3 percent. The decrease is encouraging; however, we need to continue to research and create economic opportunities that will further lower unemployment in the coming year. 5. Fuel and energy costs have increased, which will continue to affect the County's operating budget. 6. The Federal Sequestration can potentially affect federal funding levels for mandated services within the Human Services department. We predict the reduction in federal funds will require an increase in County funding to maintain current service levels. 7. The financial impact of federal health care and state Medicaid reform is unknown at this point. However, increased eligibility in both programs has the potential to strain already maximized workloads and service levels within our Human Services department. 8. Enrollment in Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City school systems continues to grow and more students are considering post- secondary education opportunities through Rowan - Cabarrus Community College. To meet the increased demand on resources, both public school systems and the community college prioritize capital projects as an imminent need. 9. Surrounding counties are adding staff in order to meet the demands of an improving economy. This puts Cabarrus in competition to recruit and retain employees with the specialized experience necessary to provide high - quality services. We have carefully weighed the aforementioned factors and considered their impact on programs, services, staff and productivity. The proposed budget ensures staffing levels and expenditures will address increased workloads, offer market - competitive salaries to our employees, and meet the needs and expectations of our residents. To create balance, the proposed budget includes some revisions to County operations.