Supervisors cut $2.1 million from county budget

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors took a major step in balancing the upcoming budget by adopting $2.1 million in cuts for the new fiscal year, which starts in July. 

County Manager Fritz Behring has recommended $5 million in cuts to the general fund for next year as part of a multi-year effort to bring county spending in line with existing revenues.

To date staff has identified, and the board has approved, $3.3 million in cuts to the general fund and $1.4 million in other funds. The county manager has said the remaining $1.7 million in spending cuts will come from all departments – primarily in the form of reductions to operating line items.

The first budget reduction proposal the supervisors considered and approved was a $617,000 cut to Correctional Health, a Pinal County Health & Human Services program.  These cuts would eliminate five full-time positions and 10 part-time positions in the jail health program. This represents a 13 percent reduction in operating costs. 

The reductions to this department came after an examination of Yavapai County’s privately-run correctional health system. Adopting the “private contractor” staffing model used by Yavapai County will save vital county funds. 

The second budget reduction option presented to the board involved a restructuring in Pinal County Development Services, cutting $1.5 million. The current economic crisis in the United States and Arizona has resulted in continued declines in development-related services. According to projections, revenues in this area are forecast to be flat for the next two to three years.

The reductions in Development Services will impact personnel and services. Twenty positions will be eliminated in six departments. Development Services personnel will reduce staffing at the Oracle and Casa Grande satellite offices. Supervisor David Snider added that he would like to see the county use technology when possible to serve people who may not have the time or ability to travel to Florence.

The board voted to implement the Development Services budget and staffing reductions.

The third and final budget-related program ended in a 2-1 vote. It involved a proposal to reduce or eliminate a lease subsidy for county van pools. The van pool program began as part of a federal initiative to improve air quality and reduce traffic by encouraging large employers to reduce single vehicle commutes through employee trip reduction incentives. 

Currently, the county pays an amount equal to 50 percent of a van pool lease. Leases vary based on the size and model of the van. Employees who belong to the van pool are responsible for the rest of the lease costs, as well as fuel, cleaning and maintenance costs. After cutbacks in prior budget years, the county has 17 vans in operation with a county contribution totaling $125,000. After a vigorous discussion about the role of the van pools, the supervisors approved a 25 percent cut in the subsidy.