HomeMy WebLinkAboutres1995-039WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL' NO. 95 -276B
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council Office:
A enda date
Assigned to:
)riginator. Woods
6/26
7/5
Council
Division Head:
Dept. Head:
Prosecutor.
k
7t7 ji5
Purchasing/Budget:
'Executive:
SUBJECT.'
Guidelines for preparation of 1996 budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
SUMMARY STATEMENT.• Please complete sections of box as appropriate & explain the item below.
Related Coun contract #: N/A Should Clerk schedule a hearing? NO X YES /Requested date:
This resolution sets a framework for preparation. of the 1996 budget. It was developed as a result of the Budget
Retreat held 6/13/95.
CLERK'S RECOMMENDED MOTION (for final action):
"I move that the Council approve the resolution."
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN.•
7/5/95: Approved as amended, 5 -2 with Harris.and Brenner opposed.
Related FilA &.#r h=
Ordinance or Resolution Number (this item only):
R95 -039
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2
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retreat96.res 06/16/94 SPONSORED BY: CONSENT
PROPOSED BY: STAFF
INTRODUCTION DATE:
RESOLUTION NO. 95 -039
COUNCIL POLICIES AND PRIORITIES FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF THE 1996 BUDGET
4 WHEREAS; the County Council met on June 13, 1995 for their annual retreat to
5 begin the process for preparation of the next years budget; and
6 WHEREAS;As a result of discussion at the meeting, a majority opinion emerged as
7 to the most important items of concern that the Council feels should be considered as the
8 Executive and staff develop their budget proposals for 1996;
9 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that the
10 guidelines shown in attachment A to this resolution should be used by elected officials and
11 the administration as they begin development of their funding requests for 1996.
12 APPROVED this 5 day of July 1995.
13
14 ATTEST:
15 C
16 Cana rows- ' ; CO.
17 APPROVED AS TO FORM:
18
19 Civil Deputy Prosecuting Atty.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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ATTACHMENT A
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES FOR FY 1996
2 The following represents the general policies the County Council wishes to be considered
3 by all operations in the development of your 1996 budget request.
4 1) _ In regards to revenues, the budget should be developed based on existing levels of
5 taxation. The exception is Current Expense Property Tax which shall be projected on a 3%
6 base increase. The additional revenues collected from this No increase shall be used to
7 increase any planned reserves
8 2) The Council desires that existing service levels should be reduced as necessary to
9 accommodate lower anticipated revenues and Fund Balance carryovers.
10 3) The Current Expense budget should be built upon an anticipated Ending Fund
11. Balance at least matching the 1995 proposed level of approximately $320,000 plus those
12 amounts resulting from the 3% property tax increase.
13 4) In formulating their budgets, departments should provide clear information as to the
14 type, amount and. impact of service level decreases that will be proposed in order to
15 accommodate anticipated revenues.
.6 5) In effecting reductions that may be necessary, the Executive is requested to insure
17 that all Current Expense departments be included in reductions, with the exception of the
18 County Assessor's office which shall be maintained at current service levels.
19 6) The Executive is requested to notify the Council as soon as possible during the
20 budget preparation process if it becomes evident that reductions may be required to exceed
21 10% of current levels.
22 7) In reference to recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel of 1994, departments
23 should identify all services that are a result of federal, state or court mandates, and identify
24 those that are local discretionary programs.
25 8) Consolidation of departments and operations, along with reduction in the number of
26 supervisory and managerial positions, should be pursued where possible.
27 9) Contracting of services should be pursued in instances where private sector providers
28 can offer services at a lesser cost than in -house operations.
29 10) In 1996, Council consideration of supplemental increases to the authorized budget
30 will be considered in relation to:
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ATTACHMENT A
1 Unforeseen changes not anticipated during the budget process
2 Increases necessary to maintain adopted levels of service
3 Costs related to maintaining safe conditions for citizens and staff
4 Replacement or repair of malfunctioning equipment
5 New services as a result of Council direction
6 Increased levels of service
7 11) In line with the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel, emphasis should be given
8 to:
9 Strengthening Financial and Performance Measurements.
10 Utilization of Citizen Groups in County processes and evaluations
11 Development of a stronger team approach between the Council and Executive, and
12 within the Administration
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