Fred Warner, Jr.
Commissioner, Chair
Commissioner, Chair
2007-2008
by
Commission Chair Fred Warner Jr.
I am extremely pleased to present the 2007-2008 Budget for your consideration. The Baker County employees have done an outstanding job of serving the people of Baker County and can take pride in providing quality service in a friendly efficient manner. I constantly receive compliments about virtually every department of the County for their customer–friendly attitude and ability to go the extra mile to help our citizens as issues arise. Also, the quality of work is a source of pride for our employees and a reflection of this customer satisfaction. This budget will address areas where growth has increased demands for service and we look forward to another successful year in Baker County.
REVIEW OF 2006-2007
The County is finishing up the last of the Measure 37 claims. This has been an arduous process and I would like to personally thank Laura, Holly, Terry, Donna, and Mark for all their hard work. The citizens who come before the Board of Commissioners were very complimentary of them, no matter the outcome of the respective claims. The coming budget year in Planning will focus on the land use decisions that have resulted from these Measure 37 claims and will continue to increase the workload in Planning.
Public safety has once again been a priority of the Board of Commissioners. The Parole and Probation Department has seen significant changes over the past year. The department has been put under the direct control of Sheriff Southwick. The addition of Will Benson as the Parole & Probation Supervisor has brought new ideas and goals to the P&P department. We believe enhanced communication between all law enforcement units will benefit both offenders and all citizens.
Matt Shirtcliff, District Attorney, has taken over the reins as Juvenile Director. In addition, Staci Erickson is the new Juvenile Supervisor. They have created a cohesive team, which has seen juvenile caseloads decrease. Their goals are to be more proactive in the schools and community to help keep our young people out of trouble.
The consolidated 911 Dispatch Center has benefited from a great deal of work on our mountain top repeater stations. Thanks to the leadership of Jerry Boyd, we now have the most coverage for emergency services in our history.
The Road Department has done an outstanding job of doing more with less than any other County Department. Thanks to Ken Helgerson and his dedicated employees, we continue to provide quality services on a shoe string budget. They will be challenged in the years to come with the loss of the Secure Rural Schools Funding (PL106-393). Though the federal government has not re-authorized these payments, we are hopeful that between the federal government and State efforts, we will be able to backfill this loss in the coming budget year. As the year progresses, we will continue to monitor and adjust the Road Department budget as events unfold.
The Commissioners have dealt with a lot of community concerns regarding mental health services in our community. We have worked with citizens, Mountain Valley Mental Health, and the Oregon Department of Human Services to assess past services, monitor present programs and build a program for the future. Though this has been a contentious issue, our goal of providing the best mental health services within the limits of our resources is still our target.
REVENUE OVERVIEW
- Property taxes are a major source of revenue and we project them up over 3%.
- Community Corrections funding for both the Jail and Parole and Probation is up significantly though the legislature is still in session.
- Justice Court Revenues appears to have stabilized and we are projecting the same revenue and if the legislature puts more state troopers on the road, we could see some increased revenues.
- This next year we will take an in-depth look at our fee structure county wide to assess whether there is a significant need for changes.
- We have a new contract with the SEIU. As you may be aware our employees are coming off a three-year contract which had no cost of living increases. This year employees are scheduled for a 6% wage increase.
- The law enforcement unit is scheduled to receive a 4% wage increase. They received a retroactive 4.5% increase the last two years based on an arbitration decision.
- PERS costs are down significantly this year based on legislative and court rulings.
- Health insurance costs are projected to be up 12.5%
- Elected officials, department heads and non-represented officials are projected at a 4% wage increase. (This group also pays 5% of their health insurance coverage)
2007-2008 BUDGET SUMMARY
Our proposed budget is nearly $10,000 less than last year’s approved budget. Our revenues are flat. This budget reflects our commitment to provide basic services and our attempt to meet the needs of the public. We are not embarking on major program changes.
Here is a list of significant changes reflected in the proposed budget:
- ¾ FTE decrease in Juvenile. DA has taken over as Director, which is a significant cost saving.
- ½ FTE increase-Appraisal Tech.
- Increase of $7000 for seasonal temp for the Facilities Department.
- Increase of 1.5 FTE in Planning—Increased workload associated with growth of Measure 37 claims.
The 2007-08 Budget before you, attempts to correct areas where we are in need of extra personnel and resources to adapt to the changing environment of Baker County. We have been working on these areas throughout the year and believe that these changes will enhance County government in the years to come.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
This budget reflects the work that has been done on the Mason Dam Hydroelectric project. Over the past year, the County has been involved with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the licensing process for a hydroelectric turbine at Mason Dam. Through the efforts of Jason Yencopal, who is serving as Project Manager, we are undertaking environmental study plans for the licensing of this project. This budget reflects a one-time $100,000 commitment to the licensing and funding for this project.
SUMMARY
The budget you see today includes a contingency and unappropriated fund balances totaling 1.304 million dollars. This is an amount that will allow the County to take care of business and enable us to cash flow throughout the year.
Once again, I believe that this budget reflects the current needs of the citizens of Baker County. This budget attempts to reward our employees for a job well done and set a standard for each of us to deliver services to the people of Baker County within the funding limits that have been bestowed upon us. I look forward to the coming year with enthusiasm and optimism.
Thank you,
Fred Warner Jr.
1995 Third Street
Baker City, OR 97814
Phone: 541-523-8200
Fax: 541-523-8201