AG 2002 04 15 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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North Carolina in one of only 8 states requiring local governments to participate in a share of MEDICAID costs. If MEDICAID is not brought under control or if the state does not assume total financial responsibility for its funding, MEDICAID will become one of the county's largest single fiscal obligations. The State sets the parameters for most social service programs delivered by the county's Department of Social Services. FY02 saw reductions to staffing and community programming. FY03 staff'mg levels and programs expenditure estimates are based upon guidance given to the county which has historically been wrong. In other words, only if state estimates are accurate will the proposed allocations contained 'in the FY03 budget be consistent with expected outcomes. In total, the County's financial obligation to the delivery of social service programs represents 11. cents of the county's 56 cent tax rate 7. Mental Health Services - Proposed State Legislative Changes / Impacts Legislative actions in 2002 intended to update mental health programs were enacted without a clear understanding of how, when or who will pay being established. State agencies, advocacy groups, involved professionals and county governments are sorting through the details. At this time, nothing is certain, except that more local authority will carry greater financial responsibility. Allocations to the local mental health agency in the FY03 budget do not reflect any change to the current cost sharing arrangements long in place. This issue will assume greater importance in FY03 and beyond. 8. Employee Related Issues The budget contains a 1.5% CPI adjustment to county staffing payroll. County employees are being called upon to do more with less. Keeping employee compensation competitive ensures that the best individuals will continue to see Cabarms County as a desirable place to work. FY02 saw a Reduction in Force (RIF) within the Department of Social Services. Due to factors beyond the county's control and local economic conditions that did not meet expectations, tough decisions had to be made. The direct impact on individuals was minimized but people were released fi.om county employment. We hope to avoid such action in FY03 by staffing at reduced levels and tying expenses to designated revenues. Reorganization involving four differentI county departments (EMS, Aging, Development and Planning Services) is contained within the FY03 budget. Shifting staff and position responsibilities among several county departments creates a new department of Public Safety Services to replace the department of Development Services. These issues are addressed more thoroughly within department budget descriptions. New staffposition requests within other departments are minimal. 9. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Elsewhere within the budget specific capital expenditures (those projects exceeding $100,000 in value) are identified and a schedule addressed. For FY03, the CIP is minimal. Most projects not deemed essential to service delivery have been deferred to later years. The funding is not available. 10. Non Assumption of Grant or Revenue Based Staffing It is assumed that the county will NOT assume f'mancial obligations associated with any program or staft-mg previously funded by federal, state grants or other third party sources. The county has taken advantage of those resources to address needs not funded through county resources. Without identified new revenues the county can not assume those financial obligations should the federal, state or third party funding cease. I 1. Envision Cabarms A joint effort among local governments, the chamber of commerce, business leaders and the citizens of Cabarrus County has created the initial phase of a community-wide vision/goal setting process. Economic conditions may delay implementation of some elements of the plan, but the various partners to the process are aligning their resources to address the issues the community has established as important.