COM 0124.000 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable Chairman Gary Safarik and Members of the County Council Page 3 March I, 2005 This budget includes funding of some departmental supplemental requests that go beyond the "status quo" in expenditures and services. This includes additional personnel and new or replacement equipment in some departments. Positions were granted on the basis of departments' prioritized requests, and were closely reviewed to ensure that they are in harmony with the goals and objectives of the County. It is rarely popular to "grow government," but given the ever-increasing population and demands for services, the positions included in the budget are needed so our County agencies can meet their responsibilities and provide the services required by the public. GOALS AND PRIORITIES In the allocation of limited government resources, funding for programs must relate to identified goals and priorities. The administrative goals and priorities below were discussed and categorized in the following manner: programs that are required legally; programs that will help provide government services on an equitable basis; programs necessary for the County to fulfill its obligation to be a good steward of public resources; and programs that reflect administrative priorities. Budget requests and allocations were prioritized based on the following goals and priorities: Legal mandates. Of highest priority are items that address our legal mandates, such as compliance with solid waste and wastewater operations, HIOSH, and ADA requirements; and items that enable us to better enforce our laws. Equitable distribution of services. Every person on this island should have reasonable access to basic county services, such as fire and police protection; and emergency medical, parks and recreation, environmental management, and aging services. High priority is placed on budget items that enable us to achieve this goal. Stewardship of public assets. We have a responsibility to protect the county's assets by making sure that public facilities and equipment are properly maintained, keeping money on reserve to pay for unexpected occurrences, and minimizing risk as we carry out the county's business. Funding to carry out this responsibility is included in this budget. Administrative project priorities (does not include CIP projects). Project priorities of the administration include the following. Items that address some of these projects, either directly or indirectly, are included in this budget. • Coqui frog eradication • Fighting the "War on Ice" • Carrying out solid waste and wastewater solutions • Achieving concurrency: infrastructure with population growth • Community development planning