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June 16, 2006 <br /> The Honorable Stacy Higa, Council Members, and Constance Kiriu <br /> Page 2 <br /> needed cushion against unanticipated economic downturns. Again, we must set aside <br /> money in reserves when we have the resources to do so, and we can and should do that <br /> this year. <br /> • Additional positions and other items funded by the Council in Draft 4 of Bi11235. <br /> The preparation of any budget requires the establishment of priorities. Overall <br /> prioritization of new positions and proposed expenditures included in the March and <br /> May budget submittals were based on administrative priorities as listed in the May 5 <br /> budget message to the Council. Working with these administrative priorities, <br /> departments prepare their own priorities based on their assessment of their operational <br /> needs. It is felt by this administration that departmental needs as identified by the <br /> lengthy administration budget preparation process were addressed in the budget <br /> presented to you. I do appreciate your awareness that all departments da need <br /> additional manpower beyond what we felt was fiscally prudent to include in our <br /> budget proposal. There is concern, however, that in granting additional positions and <br /> items, the Council did not always include the highest priorities of the departments that <br /> were granted the extra funds. It is believed that administrators of departments should <br /> be the ones establishing the priorities. Awarding of additional money by the Council <br /> or administration should be done only after close coordination with the departments. <br /> Please be aware that one or more departments may be coming back to the Council to <br /> reprioritize the items granted. <br /> It is fully recognized that the County Council has the power to amend the budget as presented <br /> by the administration, and the amendments that were made are within the Council's area of <br /> authority. Therefore, I have not vetoed this measure, although I cannot sign it with approval <br /> because it is not felt that the amendments made are in the best interests of the County and its <br /> <br /> people. <br /> <br /> A <br /> f~ < <br /> Ki~ VL`'~ <br /> AYOR <br /> <br />