Forsyth government could cut jobs

The slumping economy could force the local government to eliminate 23 positions from its 2009 budget.

The Forsyth County Commissioners, constitutional officers and department staff discussed Nov. 25 the tentative budget proposal for 2009. If all goes to plan, two budget hearings will be held in December before it is officially approved.

Several in attendance spoke in opposition to some items in the proposed budget including the elimination of 23 jobs, no cost of living increases for employees and a proposed increase in the water and sewer rates.

Interim County Manager Doug Derrer said the $103 million revenue expected in 2008 had fallen to an expectation of $86.7 million (a decrease of 16.4 percent). He said staff worked hard to present the board a balanced proposed budget.

"We have experienced an economic slowdown," he said, "which has led to a substantial drop in revenue. To make up for this, staff has developed a much leaner budget and worked tirelessly to reconcile the budget."

The "most difficult" aspect of the budget process, Derrer said, was considering cutting jobs from departments most affected by the downturn in the economy.

"Some departments are simply overstaffed," he said, "and the option of eliminating positions became a real need and a viable option to the county. Considering the state of the economy in Forsyth County, we are having to make some very tough decisions."

But Commissioner Linda Ledbetter said Nov. 25 was the first time she had seen the budget in this form.

"I am totally not for the elimination of jobs," she said.

Forsyth County Sheriff Ted Paxton said while he has been aware of the issues facing the county, he asked the commissioners to consider allowing either merit or cost of living increases.

"I was told last Friday at the eleventh hour there would be no raises," he said. "Please try to do one or the other. They are here doing their best every day. Their insurance is going up. This is not just about the Sheriff's Office, but the entire county."

Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse said county employees should realize these are difficult economic times.

"They may walk out with less money in their paycheck," he said, "but at least they are walking away with a paycheck. Everyone has cut their budgets to about as bare bones as they can be."

But Commissioner David Richard disagreed.

"I have given this budget a preliminary look," he said, "and I can tell you that's not the case."

Chris Shelton with the Sheriff's Department said the commissioners should consider using the county's reserves during this time.

"I am glad to have a job," he said. "I work hard every day and I do this by choice. Now, you're taking money out of my pocket. Now, you're raising the water rates. We have $30 million in reserves. That's what it's designed for."

However, some employees said they knew the county faced tough decisions. Indigent Defense Administrator Connie Brooker, who has worked with the county 20 years, said she didn't envy the decisions facing commissioners.

"You all are not only looking out for employees," she said, "but also the entire county. I'm not sure why the surprise? I've attended all these meetings. I think I've been spoiled by being a county employee."

Laughinghouse said there was no way to predict the future.

"We have no idea what will occur," he said. "If you look at this time last year, the budget is down 20 percent. We may be up 20 percent or down another 20 percent this time next year. We don't know. We hope it's up."

But Richard said this is not something that will be over soon and future boards should be careful in using the reserves.

"I'm going to mention the dirty little secret no one is talking about," he said. "If you think 2009 is bad, wait until 2010 when the tax digest drops. This isn't over by any stretch of the imagination ... we don't want to be too quick to look at reserves because they might be needed next year. Don't make a short term fix for a long term concern."

Forsyth County Chief Financial Officer Bill Thomas said the sky is not falling, but the country is in a significant crisis.

"This financial crisis is deep," he said. "I think it will have a long term effect on this economy. 2010 could be worse. It could turn around tomorrow. We really don't know."

Laughinghouse thanked everyone for attending the early budget proposal.

"We have heard what you said and we will take it under advisement," he said.

Two public hearings will be held Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 regarding the proposed budget.
- www.northfulton.com

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