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Do IT this week: Layering

Rainy days in Summit County

A necessary effort to balance priorities as revenues decline

Published on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009

With revenue projections for next year on a downward trend, Summit County's budget squeeze is tightening. Officials recently adjusted general fund revenue estimates for 2010 to $98.6 million, down from earlier projections of $100.5 million and $111.6 million received in 2008 as sales tax and interest income continue to slide. At the sheriff's office, layoff notices went out this week to 45 deputies, who could be out of work on Dec. 21 without concessions. Layoffs would create a ripple effect through the ranks of supervisors, who would be demoted to fill gaps in the ranks.

The prospect of losing that number from a force of about 330 deputies raises this question about the county's $25.3 million ''rainy day'' fund, so far left untouched: Isn't it pouring? Yes, it is, but a broader view of the situation, taken by Russ Pry, the county executive, is justified.

As with similar negotiations between the city of Akron and the police union, layoffs can be avoided. Deputies have been presented with detailed alternatives, affecting items such as longevity pay, extra pay for holidays (eight hours on top of time and a half), uniform allowances and cost-of-living increases. Furloughs also are on the table. The point is, concessions could completely eliminate layoffs. Sheriff Drew Alexander has been asked to make an 8.4 percent budget reduction, less than the average of 8.7 percent across all county departments.

More, the county's deficit spending is not yet under control. This year, it is projected to hit $14.3 million; next year, $4.7 million, a figure that takes into account $2.2 million in one-time money. The general fund surplus, a separate fund, has been used to plug deficits. It will be down to about $500,000 by the end of next year, from $29.9 million at the close of 2006.

Still, why not use some of the $25.3 million if necessary? The trouble is, the rainy day fund is more accurately termed a budget stabilization fund. For the county to maintain its cash flow during the year, a surplus of about $15 million is needed to avoid borrowing. At the current rate, what's left, $10 million or so, would be gone by 2011. And it is likely that some of that will be needed to cope with reductions in local government funds to balance the state budget.

So, until the economy perks up, Pry and the County Council are on the right track, carefully managing funds while seeking to maintain vital services.

With revenue projections for next year on a downward trend, Summit County's budget squeeze is tightening. Officials recently adjusted general fund revenue estimates for 2010 to $98.6 million, down from earlier projections of $100.5 million and $111.6 million received in 2008 as sales tax and interest income continue to slide. At the sheriff's office, layoff notices went out this week to 45 deputies, who could be out of work on Dec. 21 without concessions. Layoffs would create a ripple effect through the ranks of supervisors, who would be demoted to fill gaps in the ranks.

Get the full article here.


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