Like other jurisdictions across the nation and throughout Washington State, Spokane County is feeling the effects of the recession. This spring, county officials were bracing for a projected $12.5 million deficit in the General Fund budget for 2010. The effects of the recession have been further compounded by years of annexations and incorporations that have eroded the county’s ability to generate enough revenue to keep pace with rising costs.
This summer, the Board of County Commissioners instituted a Voluntary Early Retirement Program (VERP). The program was designed for employees who qualified for retirement under the State Department of Retirement Systems, but needed assistance with medical expenses until they receive Medicare. 34 employees took advantage of the program and officially left county service by July 31, 2009. Their positions were then eliminated or restructured within the department. As a result of the VERP, layoffs, elimination of unfilled positions and reduced spending, the county has realized substantial savings and the projected 2010 General Fund deficit has been revised to $10.5 million.
These actions follow a series of budget-cutting steps taken by the county’s Building and Planning Department. In 2008, when the pace of construction slowed dramatically, 12 employees were laid off and an additional eight unfilled positions were eliminated. In May 2009, the department’s hours of operation were reduced to four days a week.
For the past two years, the Board of County Commissioners has scrutinized internal policies and practices within the criminal justice system to identify efficiencies that will result in streamlined processes and cost savings. Currently, law enforcement and criminal justice operations account for approximately 70-percent of the General Fund budget.
Last week, the county’s Budget Office met with elected officials and department directors to discuss the ramifications of the 2010 budget deficit. CEO Marshall Farnell explained that contractually, the only course of action available to the county at this time with regard to union-represented employees is a reduction in force, i.e. layoffs. Any other changes would have to be proposed by the bargaining units.
At the direction of the Board of County Commissioners, the Labor Relations Unit has been in contact with union leadership to discuss the financial impact of the 2010 budget. The unions and management will continue to meet in the coming weeks as they work towards mutually agreeable alternatives to save jobs and preserve services to the public. Council 2, AFSCME AFL-CIO, which represents a large number of county employees, has formally requested to negotiate the impacts of these layoffs.
For more information, please contact Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter, Public Information and Communications Manager at (5098) 477-7195 or (509) 263-9385.
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