COM 0711.137 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable Chairman J Yoshimoto and Members of the County Council May 5, 2010 Page 5 department, particularly the vehicle repair activities, allowing for increased efficiency in processing equipment for repairs and fuel and vehicle usage countywide. No new positions have been added as a result of this re- organization, although one previously unfunded position will be budgeted for the coming year. The amended budget also restores funding for the Hawai'i County Band and West Hawai'i band for fiscal year 2010 -2011. Our community demonstrated its strong support for this venerable institution, and we offer the band an opportunity to make the transition from a solely County- funded program to an institution that will benefit both from public and private support in the years ahead. To that end, this administration will pursue an initiative to convert the band to private non - profit status so that it may harness its widespread community support in a way that also eases the burden on County taxpayers. The County recognizes the importance of maintaining our island as a safe, clean, beautiful place to live and to visit. In response to requests from the public, this budget also provides funding to increase the hours of our solid waste transfer stations so that each station will be open for a minimum of three days per week for 12 hours per day. My administration is focused on a more comprehensive response to solid waste disposal and illegal dumping issues that includes education, tough anti - littering legislation and increased enforcement of litter laws. FUND BALANCE The fund balance submitted with this budget is estimated at $14,313,937. Fund balance carry- forward for any given year is not known until all adjustments are posted and funds are closed several months after the fiscal year ends. Projection of upcoming receipts and expenditures is very difficult and actual transactions can vary by large amounts. This can be difficult in the best of years, but when all expenses have already been cut extensively there are no further equipment purchases to defer, no further travel or training to postpone, no further projects to cancel. The impact of entering a new budget cycle with an over - estimated fund balance carry- forward would be a disruption of planned operations. That is why we believe this estimate cannot be increased. DETAILS In arriving at this amended budget, the Administration identified several areas where expenditures could be further reduced, or where increases were appropriate. Specific changes are identified below. Significant Changes to March 1, 2010 Revenue Estimates • Fund Balance Carryover — Carryover projections have increased by $1,655,937, which represents an increase in current year expenditure savings as a result of County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.