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| County budget down 2 percent |
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| At least 5 positions cut |
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By Holly M. Gill
A slightly decreased budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year received unanimous approval from the Jefferson County Commission at its June 24 meeting.
The new budget of $35,159,239 was down about 2 percent -- $731,952 -- from last year's approved budget of $35,891,187.
At least five positions were cut, according to County Administrator Jeff Rasmussen, including one at the fairgrounds, one in community justice, one at the clerk's office, two in the sheriff's office, and a half-time position in community development.
"We have fewer employees, and the remaining employees will be working 2 1/2 hours less per week," said Rasmussen, noting that the county now has 163 full-time equivalency employees. "However, we're counting the 37.5-hour employees as one FTE."
Revenue surrounding the building industry was down this year, Rasmussen said. "For example, the recording fees in the clerk's office in 2006-07 were $174,000, compared to this year, when we're budgeting $81,000."
The county is expecting a federal timber payment of $496,000, down from $497,000 last year, and $551,689 in 2007-08. The payment, which provides nearly one-third of the road department's funding, will continue to decline by 10 percent per year for two more fiscal years before it's scheduled to end, but Rasmussen anticipates that the state's transportation payment will come close to closing the gap.
"All departments are down funding-wise and for expenditures," Rasmussen said. Nevertheless, "Compared to most counties our size, we're in pretty good shape."
The county is not acquiring any new debt, but is contributing to a capital improvements fund, which will receive $350,000 this year, down from last year's $457,000.
"The main focus is saving for a courthouse," he said. "By June 30 next year, (the fund) would have close to $2.2 million."
Due to public feedback, the commissioners restored funding for wildlife predator control. Jefferson County, along with Crook and Wasco counties, will continue to provide $10,800 for the program -- which had been on the chopping block until farmers and ranchers testified about damage to livestock and crops.
Even though the budget was approved, several factors have the potential to cause changes. "We'll probably be reviewing and amending the budget as early as August or September," he said.
Negotiations are continuing on contracts for both public works and service workers, which expire on July 1. Additionally, the county isn't sure how funds from the state will be allocated.
"It appears we won't start July 1 with as much cash on hand as the budget was based on," Rasmussen said. "It was based on $2.1 million, and it will probably be about $1.8 million. The commissioners have indicated that if there is need for adjustment, they want to do it right away."
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