Cost cutting saving big bucks
Cost-saving measures by Josephine County government have resulted in a predicted savings of more than $5 million for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
That optimistic report, based on unaudited numbers, was presented the county board of commissioners by Rosemary Padgett, the county’s chief financial officer.
She made the presentation in Grants Pass Wednesday morning, Sept. 12 in Anne G. Basker Auditorium to commission Vice Chairman Dave Toler and Commissioner Dwight Ellis. Chairman Jim Raffenburg was absent, as he was in the nation’s capital lobbying for continued federal funding under the Secure Rural Schools Act.
Padgett said that all levels of county government deserve recognition for their money-saving accomplishments. It appears that $5,304,960 has been accumulated in savings, based on department budgets for ‘06-’07 and actual amounts spent.
She noted that a hiring freeze, a reduction in force (employee layoffs in June), and other cost-saving efforts have resulted in the surplus. Efforts to save money and increase efficiency continue, she said.
In the face of potentially declining federal funding, the savings will be applied to the 2007-08 fiscal year budget that will begin July 1.
Padgett noted that the Josephine County Fair did an exceptional job in the area of finances. She said that there was a $136,000 deficit, but that that has been reduced to $12,000.
“This is a wonderful accomplishment, and the fair board and others deserve recognition,” she said.
Some $4.8 million of the apparent savings would be transferred to Public Safety, she said, thereby helping the forthcoming new budget. Public Safety is comprised of the sheriff’s office, D.A.’s office, and Juvenile Justice.
An official audit by an outside firm will be conducted later this year. Padgett indicated she is confident that the figures showing the results of fund-saving will be borne out.
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