County layoffs, cuts hold line on spending

El Paso County commissioners approved a $232.3 million budget for 2009 Monday, holding the line on spending at about the same level as this year by laying off dozens of employees and cutting back office hours and services.

Residents will likely have to wait longer at the motor vehicle department, see animal control services curtailed and be able to do business only four days a week at most county offices.

"The citizens should see us maintain the reduced level of service unless revenue continues to come in at a less rate," Chairman Dennis Hisey said. If revenues drop, the county will cut further, he said.

"I would caution all department heads and elected officials you may be seeing budget cuts again as early as March," he said.

The cuts in service are largely the result of dozens of layoffs this year in two waves - last summer to meet budget shortfalls and in November after voters rejected the county's 1 percent sales tax increase.
For at least five months, most county offices have closed on Friday to save money on utilities and that will continue.

The cuts are designed to enable the county to fund mandated services, such as medical and food service in the jail, elections, tax collections and property appraisal. The county also faces rising health insurance costs and utility bills.

The budget is based on a prediction the county will collect the same amount in sales and property taxes next year as it collected this year.

It also includes a $3 million transfer from the road and bridge fund, a move Commissioner Wayne Williams vehemently opposed.

Casting the sole dissenting vote on the budget, Williams called it "financially irresponsible," because it spends $3 million more than it takes in.

Commissioner Jim Bensberg noted the alternative was to cut departments across the board. That would include not only further cuts to the Sheriff's Office, but also reductions in the assessor's and treasurer's offices, both of which play a role in bringing in tax money.

The budget includes $217,000 for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, half the agency's 2008 contract amount. What services will disappear isn't clear, but the cut probably means a reduction in responding to loose and vicious animals. Details are to be worked out in the next few weeks.

Commissioner Sallie Clark noted the county has cut roughly 230 jobs since 2005, reducing the county's work force to about 2,300.

That's why Clark argued to continue a service-awards program that costs up to $35,000 annually. She said employees haven't had cost-of-living raises for several years and face increased health insurance next year.

"Your employees are who run things," she said. "I'm not surprised that many of them are looking for jobs elsewhere."

Commissioner Amy Lathen said she appreciates employees but added, "These days, we're looking for tiny bits of money."

Lathen said she doubts workers would leave the county if they don't get a watch in a program that recognizes service at five-year intervals with gifts that average $70 each.

Commissioners postponed a decision on continuing the service awards until March, with Lathen and Clark dissenting because they wanted to vote on it Monday.