Budget cuts to include layoffs

Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer Laura Davis assists a family of homeschoolers at Clover Hill Library's reference desk. Proposed budget cuts call for county libraries to begin closing at 7 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays.

About 25 full-time and an unknown number of part-time county employees may lose their jobs because Chesterfield will spend almost $45 million less in FY10 (starting July1) than is budgeted this year. The county's general fund - how Chesterfield pays for most county services like police, fire, libraries and parks and recreation - is projected to decline by 5.3 percent to $709.9 million because of economic conditions and less state revenue.

All total, there are projected to be 174 fewer positions, but most of the "force reduction" will come from not filling job vacancies. The county implemented a hiring freeze last year on most positions except those in public safety. The 174 positions includes those who are retiring and part-time employees who will have their hours reduced. Currently, there are 3,131 full-time employees who are paid out of the general fund.

There will also be layoffs in the county's school system. (See story on page 8.)

Some new jobs may be created because the board of supervisors has directed County Administrator Jay Stegmaier to develop a "proactive code enforcement program." Those persons whose jobs have been eliminated could be reassigned.

"We're looking at a lot of different options to balance the budget, and with so many variables it's difficult to know what will be in my budget proposal," explained Stegmaier. "Revenue in the future will be different from the past, so we must identify and maintain the critical priorities and restructure county government so it is sustainable for the long term."

"It's a draft proposal subject to change even from the county administrator's perspective," emphasized Budget and Management Director Allan Carmody. "These staff reductions will reduce services [to the citizens]."

"We currently have over 200 [employee] vacancies," said Dan Gecker, vice chairman of the board of supervisors. "We are looking at every option to reallocate staff. Additional vacancies are created as employees leave the county. The impacts from any restructuring decisions would not occur before July 1."

Stegmaier also stressed his proposed budget will be reviewed by the county board, which will hold a hearing for public input. The Citizen Budget Advisory Committee, recommended by the board, has been meeting with Carmody for several months to review the budget and make recommendations for cuts.

The FY10 budget is based on no increase in any tax rates. About half of the county's general fund is raised from property taxes. On Feb. 11, the board voted 4-1 to advertise the property tax rate at 95 cents per $100 of assessed value, the same as last year.

"The board of supervisors believes we should cut the budget to meet the anticipated revenue," said Dale Supervisor Jim Holland. "This is not the time to raise the property tax rate."

Carmody said his department has not yet identified $7.8 million in cuts to reach the almost $45 million reduction figure. Of the $13.8 million to be cut from various county departments, here are some of the proposed cuts (with savings):

• Hold vacancies open and reduce part-time staffing and overtime hours of the fire department. Use management services personnel to replace five overtime positions for daytime ambulances ($1,183,500).

• Hold positions open in planning department ($399,300), environmental engineering ($259,600), transportation ($34,900) and building inspections ($244,700).

• Reduce spending for operating jail annex due to construction ($654,800).

• A variety of mental health reductions of people and programs ($589,000).

• Keep IT positions vacant, reduce parttime staffing, delay server capacity upgrade and equipment purchases ($543,365).

• Keep vacant police positions open and reduce part-time staffing ($481,000).

• Closing county libraries from 7-9 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays and cuts in library materials and interlibrary loan program ($416,400).

• Reduction in comprehensive services, which includes emotionally and mentally challenged youth ($413,700).

• Recycling pick-ups countywide reduced from twice a month to once a month ($400,000).

• Reduction in per diem expense for Riverside Regional Jail ($400,000).

• Reduce spending on police uniforms, forensic supplies and ammunition ($379,600).

• Reduction in parks and recreation staffing for field preparations and cuts for support of county fair and Henricus Historical Park ($331,000).

• Cut spending for maintenance, advertising, printing, travel, conferences, dues and office supplies for police department ($281,800).

• Keep vacancies and reduce staffing for dispatching calls at 9-1-1 center ($253,500).

• Reduce mental health funding for prescription drugs ($250,000). Some who received assistance may qualify for other government assistance.

• Delay funding for radar sets and computer equipment and reduce spending on light bars for police department ($174,400).

• Reduce funding for education, conferences and various other expenses for fire department ($170,400).

• Hold position open and reduce staffing in human resources management ($159,600).

• Hold positions open in county attorney's office ($110,000).

• Reduce funding for membership and marketing for economic development ($108,400). The Citizen Budget Advisory Committee indicated these cuts would hurt new business recruitment.

• Reduction in staffing at juvenile detention home ($104,200).

• In the commissioner of the revenue's office, hold positions vacant and reduce parttime staffing, causing longer waits ($91,600).

• Hold position open in the accounting department and reduce part-time staffing, which could create a receivables problem ($85,700).

• Reduce part-time staffing in treasurer's offi ce, which will cause longer waits ($75,100).

• Close the Hull Street Road police station ($63,800).

• Keep open position vacant in health department ($63,200).

• Hold position open in animal control and reduce part-time staff ($54,900).

• Keep position open in the internal audit department ($43,213).

• Keep position open in Chesterfield University ($36,675).

• Hold position open in budget and management ($35,600).

• Reduction in printing for public affairs ($30,400).

• Eliminate Spanish stipend program, which provides translation services between police officers and Hispanics ($25,000).

• In county administration, reduce parttime staffing ($12,500).