County staffers detailed proposed budget cuts in various departments last week in preparation for the March 24 public hearing on the proposed spending plan. The county’s $700.4 million proposed general fund budget for next year is nearly $15 million lower than the fiscal 2010 level, according to information from the county. On top of a roughly $30 million revenue shortfall projected for next year, the county and schools will have to absorb about $6 million in rising expenses.
Using the school system’s savings of $12 million from prior years brings the net reduction in the county’s transfer to the school system to about $6.5 million. Though the county’s operating budget is dropping only $8.3 million, an additional $6 million in cuts must be made to offset rising expenses, according to information from the county.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Chesterfield County Police Department’s budget target for fiscal 2011 is about $1.6 million lower than last year’s, according to a recent presentation on the spending plan.
Proposed reductions:
- Cut $376,800 through operational efficiencies
- Cut $274,000 by eliminating four patrol officer jobs
- Cut $194,800 by eliminating three civilian and three part-time jobs
- Cut $45,100 by reducing the part-time patrol officer program
- Cut $621,000 by deferring the replacement of 28 patrol and detective vehicles
- Cut $109,000 through other operating reductions
FIRE AND EMS DEPARTMENT
Chesterfield County Fire and EMS has proposed about $1.32 million in budget cuts, including $642,100 in operating reductions, for fiscal 2011, according to a recent presentation. The department will also absorb $500,000 in unfunded expenses.
Proposed reductions:
- Cut $224,000 by eliminating four uniformed positions
- Cut $56,000 by eliminating one civilian position
- Cut $326,800 through minimum staffing
- Cut $35,300 by centralizing copier funding
- Cut $676,100 by reducing funding for emergency vehicle replacement
LIBRARIES
In fiscal 2011, $1.5 million in budget reductions are proposed for Chesterfield County’s Public Libraries.
Proposed reductions:
- Cut $1.3 million by reducing library hours at all branches the equivalent of one day; the department has recommended closing all libraries on Thursday. This includes eliminating about 32 FTEs, including 11 part-time positions.
- Cut $200,000 by reducing the number of new library materials purchased.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
About $1.9 million in budget cuts are proposed for the Parks and Recreation Department in fiscal 2011.
Proposed reductions:
- Cut $361,000 by eliminating adult athletic programs. This includes eliminating five full-time and four part-time jobs; eliminating program and maintenance support for adult leagues for basketball, volleyball, flag football and softball programs; closing facilities at Warbro Athletic Complex, Bird Athletic Complex, Daniel Athletic Comples and Lowe’s Soccer Complex. About $168,000 in revenue will be lost, as well.
- Cut $250,000 by eliminating half of senior and adult education programs. This includes eliminating one full-time and two part-time jobs and discontinuing all adult instructional programs except those at community centers. About $32,000 in revenue will be lost, as well.
- Cut $446,300 by eliminating historical programs. This includes eliminating five full-time and three part-time positions; closing facilities and providing minimum maintenance at the following: Eppington, Falling Creek, Civil War sites, County Museum, Castlewood, Magnolia Grange and the County Jail; and eliminating programs and support for the Heritage Alliance partnering organizations. About $14,200 in revenue will be lost, as well.
- Cut $503,500 by eliminating outdoor adventure/nature programs. This includes eliminating seven full-time and three part-time positions; closing Rockwood Nature Center and Challenge Course; eliminating all boating, hiking, outdoor/conservation education and skills development program and classes. About $139,500 in revenue will also be lost.
- Cut $60,000 by reducing maintenance staffing. This includes eliminating one full-time safety officer position.
- Cut $303,300 by reducing school maintenance.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES
About $1 million in budget cuts are proposed for the Mental Health Support Services department.
Proposed reductions:
- Cut $326,100 by reducing direct services.
- Cut $99,300 by reducing consumer and family support.
- Cut $200,700 by reducing staffing.
- Cut $342,900 by increasing organizational efficiency
- Cut $4,700 by reducing staff development and recognition.
- Cut $69,500 by reducing equipment, supplies and operations.
- Other proposed Human Services
- reductions:
- Cut $56,400 by eliminating the Limited English Speaking Program, including one full-time job.
- Cut $221,900 by reducing services at Adult Drug Court. This includes eliminating one full-time clinician.
- Cut $180,000 by reducing services at Juvenile Drug Court. This includes eliminating one treatment clinician, all training and education dollars and all funds for psychiatric/psychological evaluations and services.
- Cut $250,000 by reduced services in Social Services operations.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The county’s Community Development division has proposed a fiscal 2011 general fund budget of $16,856,100, which is down about $631,800 from last year. The budget includes $714,700 in cuts and the absorption of nearly $83,000 in increased expenses.
Proposed reductions:
- Cut 11 full-time and two part-time jobs from the Building Inspections Department.
- Reduce marketing activities and spending on business community events in the Economic Development Department.
- Cut three part-time jobs in the Environmental Engineering Department, and stop publishing the Swift Creek Report.
- Cut 11 full-time and two part-time positions in the Planning Department.
- Reduce funds for consultant services, which are typically used for special projects, in the Transportation Department.
- Cut 19 positions in the Utilities Department.