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MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Carol J. Huchingson, County Administrative Officer
DATE: September 12, 2017
SUBJECT: FY 2017-18 Final Recommended Budget
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
I am pleased to present, for your consideration and direction, the FY 2017-18 Final Recommended Budget. While the State's economic environment has improved from the bleak years of the Great Recession, Lake County's is still challenged fiscally as a result of the wildfire disasters of 2015 and 2016, the additional costs of labor agreements (for safety) instituted in FY 2016-17 and the increase in the cost of retirement contributions. I would like to recognize the County department heads, for their willingness to collaborate in our efforts to manage the fiscal challenges we have faced and are facing, as well as the public who have been supportive of the County's need to be fiscally conservative.
The Final Recommended Budget continues to focus on long-term solutions to addressing both budgetary and staffing challenges, by strengthening revenue streams and identifying operational efficiencies. In order to strengthen revenue, the budget emphasizes the ongoing administration of the Master Fee Schedule and provides for third-party support in evaluation of other potential revenue enhancements. The County will also need to focus on encouraging new economic growth in light of the fact that for the last five years, the growth in property tax revenue continues to be among the lowest in the State.
In order to identify operational efficiencies, the budget provides for consultant support intended to identify opportunities for improved organizational efficiencies in departments. An essential component to enhancing organizational efficiency is to upgrade technological systems. Consequently, the budget establishes a Technology Modernization Reserve funded with an initial contribution of $500,000. It is anticipated that an ad hoc committee will be established to oversee the all...
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