COM 0193.073 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JN?'`:~P ~:SW r Harry Kim ~ Dixie Kaetsu (M Mayor • ~ Managing Director s;•~: • Bazbara Kossow ~gtf'Of •NP~/ Deputy Managing Director ~Countp of ~a~uai`i 891 Ululani Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 96I-8211 • Fax (808) 96I-6553 KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 329-5226 Fax (808) 326-5663 May 31, 2007 The Honorable Pete Hoffmann, Chairperson, and Council Members Hawaii County Council 333 Kilauea Avenue Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Bi1160 -Operating Budget for FY2007-08 Proposed Unfunding of Positions Dear Chairperson Hoffmann and Council Members: First of all, please let me state that there is no disagreement on the authority of the County Council to amend the budget as proposed by the administration. While the administrative budget proposal as presented to you was developed over many months after intense scrutiny of the operations of the County departments, the Council's authority to propose amendments is fully recognized and accepted. There was mention at the May 16, 2007, Council meeting as well as in the media that the Council is considering unfunding some positions that have been vacant for a period of time. As stated at the Council meeting by Managing Director Dixie Kaetsu, discussion between the County and affected departments should take place so the Council can be aware of which positions may be in the process of being filled, or are scheduled to be filled in the near future. She also indicated that the administration is very willing to work with the Council in this effort. Office of Management positions. One preliminary list of positions targeted to be unfunded was provided to an agency head by a reporter. This list includes two positions in the Office of Management, the Mayor's Office. Unfortunately, no communication between the Council and my office was undertaken before these positions were included on this list. I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the status of these two positions, and request that their funding remain in place. • The Administrative Specialist position is assigned to the Kona office, and is vital to its operation. This is the permanent position of the Deputy Managing Director, who has the right to return to this position after her appointment ends in December of 2008. Because we are seeking to hire a person to fill it for only a limited time until Comm. No. Ref. To• ""~rl Ref. Date ~IIIN 1 2007 Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.