Presentation and Discussion on the 2017 Budget.

Mr. Sergio Cruz opened up the first Workshop for 2017-over viewing the general summary. Last year they adopted a budget of $189,336,719 since then the budget increased by about $3 million dollars and half of that is the mid of the year adjustments they've had. These adjustments include the increases to the law enforcement and the step and grade accommodations. Another portion to the adjustments is the future increases to the retirement rates. Mr. Cruz reminded the court that last year they approved a COLA adjustment for retirees. Thus, leaving it at a starting base line budget of $192.3 million dollars for 2017.

As far as other items requested aside from what's already included, Mr. Cruz notified that the COLA is at 2% and during the last 2 years there has been irrelevant increases to the consumer price index at .12% and therefore recommended no COLA increase for this year and stay at the same level. 

Personnel requests add up to $1.8 million dollars, however are still being reviewed and will bring back recommendations for approval. Regarding Health Insurance, he notified that there's a projected increase of 10% premium. Mr. Cruz assured that a firm reviewed the claims and estimated a 10% premium increase. At 10% increase to the premium they estimate the budget to be roughly about $1.7 million dollars. In this case the analysis found that through subsidization between the Buy-Up and the Basic Plan. Essentially there's a lower number of individuals within the By-Up Plan, however the accounts are around 70% of all expenses. Additionally, there's also Tier subsidization in the rate charge for spouses at approximately twice as many claims for premiums. If the increase is taken, there will be an increase of about $268,000 to the general fund as far as health rate contributions. 

The law enforcement step increase is also being considerate, currently costing about $1.1 million dollars. Last year there was a significant salary increase to their pay plan. However, the COLA was only provided to the jailers. Mr. Cruz recommended to forego step increase for this next fiscal year and at the least consider a step increase for jailers.

Mr. Cruz informed of a request for $1 million dollars for the Public Defense Budget. This is necessary for individuals that require representation and recommended to increase that specific budget by about $600,000. Mr. Cruz explained that this figure is analyzed based on historical expenses, currently they're budgeting about $4 million dollars. He affirmed to the judge that their request is $629,333 just to meet expenses. The money can be utilize to pay attorneys, nevertheless they'll be contacting Mr. Gonzalez to inquire about the case loads data for their office. Further, reassuring they'll be looking into indigent ratification to confirm that the right people are being help. Moreover, under contingency they're requesting to increase the initial amount at $880,686 this would be .5% of the adopted budget to be included to the contingency however, is being reduced to .25% of the adopted budget.

Under visiting judges for auxiliary courts, Mr. Cruz informed that normally the funding is provided as the year goes by. It has become a norm to spend an average of $325,000 for judges in auxiliary courts. 

Mr. Cruz proposed a budget funding of $125,000 for VIDA, as it was discussed in the the April meeting.

An increase was also suggested for juvenile room and board, currently the budget is about $2.5 million dollars. However, expenses have increase and are requesting to increase by $500,000. Mr. Cruz commented they'll be working with the new judge to try and work numbers down. 

A reduction of $250,000 is being proposed for the jail room and board, the budget was at $2.2 million dollars and is now being recommended to be at $2 million dollars. The reason for reduction is the efforts by the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office and the program implemented to release people out sooner. Mr. Cruz estimates that the budget will roughly be about $1.6 million dollars. 

Based on estimates and projections Mr. Cruz proposed reducing the budget for gasoline by 3/4 of a million. 

Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting.

Mr. Cruz informed that utilization of the Boot Camp Program is not generating enough income on its own, therefore is asking for transfer out of $470,000. In addition, for other operating expenses there'll be an increase of $438,672. The majority line item is being absorbed by repair maintenance facilities management.

According to the total requests submitted of $20.3 million dollars, the budget would be at a deficit of $22.7 million dollars. If the proposed recommendations are consider they'll put the budget at a deficit of about $4.4 million dollars. Mr. Cruz emphasized that this is based on their estimated revenues of roughly $190 million dollars. Nevertheless, the Auditor's Office should be releasing their estimates within the next 3 weeks. 

Mr. Cruz informed that the taxable valuation was certified today, and will go back to look at numbers and certified. 

Mr. Valde Guerra commented that the index factor for the cost of living is still an ongoing process. Emphasizing that if any deficiencies are lacking they'll adjust it in that particular area. 

Commissioner Palacios suggested for Mr. Cruz to offer any historical data and what the adopted budget would be for the fund balance. In regards, Mr. Cruz notified that there's about $25.7 million dollars in fund balance as of now, taking into account the $2 million taken for disasters. The adopted budget deficit for this year is of $4.7 and expect to make it up. 

Mr. Cruz expressed expectation to have another workshop to discuss personnel items, health insurance items and other items.