BIL 021 Draft 02 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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oJ,„r),q \rvt�� Lee E.Lord # %' s l Managing Director Mitchell D.Roth w ` Mayor p� Robert H.Command Tf of V. Deputy Managing Director CCaxxxt r afRa1uai'i Office of 4invor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 ,,^? c.); ct KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (808)3234444 • Fax(808)3234440 May 5, 2021 tis' The Honorable Maile David, Council Chair, - ' and Members of the Hawai`i County Council tW County of Hawai`i 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Council Members, As required by the Hawai`i County Charter, submitted with this message is the proposed operating budget for the County of Hawaii for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. This balanced budget includes estimated revenues and appropriations of $609,106,511 and includes the operations of thirteen of the County's special funds as well as the general fund. This proposed balanced budget for fiscal year 2021-22 is 3.9 percent larger than last year's budget. As our County continues to grapple with the continued challenges posed by COVID-19 while maintaining our services to the public to the best of our ability, we understand the need for prudent and responsible budgeting. However, we also understand the need for us to come together as a community to find thoughtful and creative solutions to help us thrive through the most difficult times our island has seen. By sticking together, spending responsibly, and continuing to seek innovative solutions to the many issues at hand, we are confident that we will be able to get our island back to the vibrant home that we all know and love—for generations to come. Despite not receiving any Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) in the current fiscal year, our revenue collections exceeded our expectations. Though not by much, we were able to adjust the expected uncollectible rate on our Real Property Taxes for the coming fiscal year.In turn,generating additional revenue to help with other shortfalls—especially in Solid Waste, which was hard hit due to the pandemic, causing tipping fees to be reduced. It also allowed us to partially fund Other Post- Employment Benefits, enabling us to help take future burdens off of the backs of our keiki, so they can grow and thrive here without worrying about deepening debt on behalf of the County. Additionally, we provided much-needed funds for repairs and maintenance of both facilities and equipment, as well as funding for technology to ensure our systems function appropriately in the future. The changes in both revenues and expenditures reflect the needs of the various departments to be able to continue to provide services to the people of our County without interruption. 4b.,1\ #1%, COIYIIri. N0.Or. b •I ounty of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. ncil Ref. To: L®u ( :) Ref. Date MAY - 6 2021