County adopts $160 million budget

Douglas County commissioners voted 4-1 Monday to adopt an overall $160 million budget for the next fiscal year with a caveat that next year's process will be just as difficult.

Commissioner Dave Brady voted against the $121.7 million general fund budget, arguing passage violated the board's policy of priority-based budgeting.

In addition to the general fund, commissioners adopted a $5.5 million redevelopment agency budget, $19.6 million fire and paramedic districts funding and $12.5 million for Gardnerville, Genoa and Minden town funds.

"My concern is we haven't embraced priority-based budgeting. We need to be more disciplined," Brady said. "The idea of taking $665,000 out of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office sends the wrong message to the community. Where I have difficulty in approving the budget falls back on across-the-board cuts. The budget is inconsistent with priorities."

After commissioners signed the document, it is shipped to the Nevada Department of Taxation.

County Manager T. Michael Brown reviewed the steps taken to balance the budget.

They included reduced expenditures, use of reserves, limited increases in current revenues and limited implementation in new revenue.

Reducing expenditures included laying off employees and freezing vacant positions.

"It's very challenging to see employees within your department asked to leave strictly for financial reasons," Brown said.

He said ongoing strategies include long- and short-range planning, emphasis on economic opportunities and partnerships, collaboration with businesses, towns, general improvement districts and residents and focus on technology, innovation and creativity.

"We are looking closely at how we manage our business," he said. "People really stepped up. When you have challenging times, it brings people together."

"I have a funny feeling we'll be meeting to amend this budget every week," said Commissioner Greg Lynn. "We know what's coming at us."

State law requires each county hold a public hearing May 18 and the adopted budget must be sent to the state on June 1.

Comptroller Claudette Springmeyer said the county had 30 days to amend the budget following the final deadline of Aug. 15.

In response to a question about employee negotiations, Brown said the proceedings were confidential by law and he was not permitted to share details.

He said non-represented employees would do without merit raises and cost-of-living adjustments.

Personnel costs increased .8 percent and the general fund decreased 1.6 percent over last year.

"It's the most modest increase in personnel funds in my time here," said Brown who came to work for Douglas County a dozen years ago.

"Future budget challenges are the continued economic downturn and the declining revenue. We may see further reductions," he said.

ON THE WEB

Douglas County budget update

www.douglascountynv.gov