BC 2014 05 19 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 19, 2014 (Regular Meeting) Page 2034 increased turnover and training costs. At this time, per Board direction at the annual retreat, FY2015 does not include any cost -of- living or merit raises. The budget does include $100,000 for salary adjustments for positions considered below market rate. Staff have carefully weighed the aforementioned factors and considered their impact on County programs, services, staffing and productivity. The proposed budget ensures that staffing levels, programs and services, and their associated expenditures will address increased workloads, create market - competitive salaries, and meet the needs and expectations of our citizens. In an effort to create balance, the proposed budget includes some revisions to County operations. FY2C15 Budget Highlights, Priorities, and Issues 1. As Cabarrus County continues to grow our staff appropriately and diligently implements new and innovative strategies to achieve expected outcomes with available and sometimes limited resources. The proposed budget seeks to maximize these outcomes for our citizens by adding a new branch of our library in the Midland and /or southern Cabarrus area and an additional EMS station in the Concord Mills /Speedway area. Both facilities are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. 2. The recommended budget provides for the required workers compensation costs to be funded by the current expense budget rather than assigning future fund balance to ensure available funding as demands arise. This funding will be phased in through the general fund budget over the next two years. 3. As a result of the normal budget review process, staff reduced departmental current expenses by approximately $2.7 million. 4. Additional funding ($2,696,438) is proposed for annualized school salary increases and building maintenance for both school systems. 5. Employee Health Plan design changes, approved by the Board of Commissioners, implemented in FY2013 and FY2014 have helped reduce claims costs and avoid plan increases. Cost avoidance through plan changes in FY13 and FY14 were approximately $3.7 million. In addition, employees experienced higher deductibles and loss of available co- payments resulting in the requirement of more personal out -of- pocket payments. 6. Proposed increase in health plan funding for the amount of $234,000 is related to the Affordable Care Act. 7. As you will note in the Five Year Plan, in future years the County will experience more funding challenges as we begin providing additional capital and current expense funding to the schools. Cabarrus County's economy continues to trend in a positive direction showing signs of increased revenues and employment opportunities within the County. While we hope to enjoy this trend for many years to come, the growth will also bring more residents and greater demands for County programs and services. The proposed budget meets these demands for the next fiscal year by streamlining operations and balancing the needs of County and school operations with the available financial resources in a way that allows both operations remain fiscally sustainable. In closing, I would like to thank our entire staff for their commitment to maintain and always strive to improve the program and services we provide on a daily basis with limited resources. It is only through their hard work and dedication that the Board's vision and goals are achieved in an effective and efficient manner.