COM 0151.014 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable Chairman J Yoshimoto and Members of the County Council May 5, 2009 Page 3 New Positions, General Fund Department Water Safety Officer 11(1/2 time)-2 positions Fire-Ka u CONCLUSION The County of Hawaii is facing great economic challenges over the next couple of years. As a result of the continuing global economic downturn, our citizens and their government are dealing with the impact of reductions in our major industries of tourism and construction, as well as reduced property values and savings. While we scrutinize our operations and implement changes to gain efficiencies, as a business would, we are also acutely aware that government is not a private business. Loss of revenue to fund County operations is not tied to reduced demand for services or product, as it would be in a business. The need for sanitation services continues. The need for public safety and transportation services is increasing, and programs for our seniors and our children become more important than ever. The attached amended budget proposal, which remains more than $16 million lower than the current year budget, continues to focus on achieving a balance between cutting costs and utilizing available sources of revenue to adjust for real property tax and TAT shortfalls. This balanced budget insures that we will continue to meet all of our financial obligations and maintain our financial ratings and borrowing power, providing the County with a strong foundation to face future challenges. My staff and I welcome the opportunity to discuss this budget in further detail with you and to respond to any concerns that you may have. Thank you very much. Aloh "~)t )-p c-, William P. Kenoi Mayor Attachments County orHawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.