Commissioners try to squeeze $3.6 million from spending

Wed, Sep 2, 2009    to del.icio.us

Ottawa County commissioners continue to trim spending plans for 2010, aiming to cut $3.6 million from last year's $72 million.

When all 11 commissioners meet next week, they will see three to five versions of a final budget, each depicting different budget-cut scenarios, according to June Hagen, Ottawa County's fiscal services director.

Tuesday she took notes as commissioners questioned spending on the gypsy moth control program, a swath of health services, tuition assistance, association dues and travel.

"There are consequences to everything on that list," Hagen said after the meeting, where commissioners challenged many of the line items. She said an across-the-board cut "is not a good strategy. You end up cutting good programs in some departments and saving some that may not be as good."

When commissioners questioned the need for a deputy assigned to patrol a four-township area, Undersheriff Greg Steigenga explained that deputy is also trained in accident reconstruction and was part of a school program.

"We're not necessarily in favor of these cuts," Commissioner Robert Karsten said. "But we're not going to fight them."

Commissioner Roger Rycenga, of Allendale, said he wanted to preserve training opportunities for county workers because one idea from a conference "could save us dollars and will pay for itself."

Conferences, association memberships and travel should be cut, according to Commissioner Dennis Swartout of Grand Haven.

Philip Kuyers, vice chairman, called giving up memberships in statewide or national county associations "a bad idea." Commissioner Gordon Schrotenboer said he was worried that the county would lose the benefit of transportation projects and influence of voting memberships.

Swartout said the proposed cuts appeared to be deepest in the health department.

Lisa Stefanovsky, the county's health officer, told the commission many more community agencies are providing services, but not duplicating county programs — seven for medical insurance; six for disease prevention; 12 for fitness education; four for vaccinations and three designed to reduce or eliminate tobacco use.

Hagen said the county is also looking at changing employee health benefits, costing $12,000 to $17,000 each. Part-time county commissioners also get full health coverage. Next year, the county will ask in negotiations that employees increase their share of medical costs.

She also said the pension plan may be retooled, moving from a guaranteed payment to one that reflects individual contributions and investments.

Some reductions appeared to get general consent, though no votes were taken. Many in the room nodded at a suggestion to reduce the county's donation to the Ottawa County, Marne and Hudsonville fairs from $5,000 to $2,500 each.

Ottawa County Administrator Al Vanderberg told the commissioners he planned to quit printing the county's annual report and post it online instead.

The final draft of the budget is due for an October vote. The county's fiscal year is Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

The board aims to cap the 2010 budget at $68 million. Hagen said a drop in state revenue along with a 3 percent drop in tax revenue is forcing the reduction.

The commissioners will look at Hagen's recommendations immediately following their meeting at 1:30 Tuesday at the county administration building, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive.