The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0143.008 2014-2016William P. Kenoi Mayor May 5, 2015 County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 The Honorable Dru Mamo Kanuha, Council Chair and Members of the Hawaii County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Council Members, Walter K. M. Lau Managing Director Randall M. Kurohara Deputy Managing Director N 0 N 0% C7 C:) Q M D;X As required by the Hawaii County Charter, submitted with this message is the proposed operating budget for the County of Hawaii for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016. This balanced budget includes estimated revenues and appropriations of $438,793,070, and includes the operations of eleven of the county's special funds as well as the general fund. This proposed balanced budget for fiscal year 2015-16 is 5.25 percent larger than last year's budget. Our administration has always worked hard to provide public safety, provide core county government services, and make much needed investments in infrastructure while working through the realities of the economic climate created by the great recession. This budget reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest level of government services by wisely using county resources to meet the community's needs. This budget will not raise property tax rates. This budget includes strategic investments to improve our island's growing mass transit system, better equip our public safety departments to serve our growing community, and protect people and property against invasive species such as albizia trees and little fire ants. This budget also includes funding to improve the building permit system. Our goal is to provide predictable, professional, and timely service from application submission through final inspection. We will be hiring additional staff in the departments of Public Works, Planning, Fire and Environmental Management to ensure that plans move through the review process more quickly and that the inspections are performed in a more timely manner. 'e", i3i11 28', Dr 27 Comm. No. Ref. To; —C 2 okv-,r Ref. Date MAY 0 2015 Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council May 5, 2015 Page 2 Significant Changes to March 1, 2015 Revenue Estimates General Fund • Real Property Tax — revenue projections have increased by an additional $4,000,000 due to upward valuation adjustments and a reduction in the tax appeal allowance. Significant Changes to March 1, 2015 Expenditure Estimates General Fund Public Works — additional funding of approximately $962,000 was provided for continued improvements to the permit processing system. Customers should be able to experience more predictable, professional, and timely service from application submission through final inspection. Funding of $250,000 was added for albizia trees and other unsafe flora. Fuel was also increased by about $273,000 to accommodate increases in price and usage. • Police — funding for insurance increased by approximately $238,000. Additionally, funding of $140,000 is included for mobile data terminals. • Fire — funding was increased by about $195,000 for additional inspectors and related equipment to improve the building permit system. Additionally, funding of approximately $158,000 was provided for helicopter parts. • Mass Transit — funding was increased by $904,000 to ensure adequate driver coverage across the island and for the completion of an island wide study. • Health Benefits, Retirement Benefits and Employer FICA — funding of approximately $474,000 was provided to increase the fringe benefit accounts for the new positions added to the budget, primarily related to the improvements to the building permit system. • Provision for Compensation Adjustment — funding for the expected pay raises for bargaining units 2, 3, 4 and 14 was reduced by $306,000 and transferred to the special funds to accommodate the pay raises in each fund. Solid Waste Fund Solid Waste — funding of $450,000 for additional hauling related to the lava flow was moved to the recycling program. This funding will be primarily used for organics and a new vehicle. Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council May 5, 2015 Page 3 Position Changes from March 1, 2015 Budget Proposal This amended budget proposes 30 new positions and a change in title for one position. Department Position Title Civil Defense Public Information & Disaster Recovery Environmental Management Civil Engineer IV (2) Finance Vehicle Registration and Licensing Clerk Fire Fire Prevention Inspector (2) Liquor Control Clerk III Parks and Recreation Park Caretaker I (2) Parks and Recreation Vector Control Specialist (3) Parks and Recreation Lead Painter Parks and Recreation Painter Parks and Recreation Recreation Technician II Planning Land Use Plans Checker III (3) Public Works Plumbing Inspector Public Works Building Inspector (4) Public Works Electrical Inspector (4) Public Works Mechanical Engineer IV Public Works Electrical Engineer II Public Works Structural Engineer Public Works Program Manager Conclusion This proposed budget represents our departments' best efforts to meet the needs of our residents in a timely and fiscally responsible fashion. As our economy continues its gradual recovery, we are committed to continued investment in infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and creating safer and healthier communities. These investments are critical to the future of our Hawaii Island. We look forward to working closely with the Hawaii County Council to provide timely and responsive government service. Al a William P. Kenoi MAYOR Attachment Hawaii County is an Equa: Opportunity Provider and Employer