Q. What would it take to have one-time zero-based budget?
A. The County is developing the FY 2009 budget using a modified zero-base budgeting approach. Using this approach, spending levels will be matched to services performed using the current year budget after absorbing annualized increases in personal services and line-item costs that are out of the control of the County, such as gas and utilities. In some departments, the 2009 base will be less than 80 percent of their current year budget. Departments will be required to develop an operating budget that supports their objectives by determining the necessity and level of funding for each line-item within each program.
A zero-base budgeting process means each county department develops several budget proposals based on alternate levels of services. County officials have not discussed that yet. However, whatever services are cut will impact residents in some way. This year, we have completed a program budget process where each department has indicated every program they provide and the costs to provide the program.
Q. Explain the Save Our Homes portion of the amendment on the Jan. 29 constitutional amendment?
A. If approved by 60 percent or more of voters, the change to Florida's constitution will allow residents with a Save Our Homes assessment cap to transfer up to $500,000 of their Save Our Homes benefit if upsizing their home, and a proportional amount to the new homestead if downsizing.
Q. If it does pass, when does it become effective?
A. Immediately
Q. When will the Jupiter Farms Park spine road be completed?
A. Construction of this roadway will be completed through the county’s Annual Pathway program, which is intended to retrofit pathway on existing County roadway. The primary emphasis of the program is to provide access to schools and parks. This road will be under consideration as part of the Annual Pathway program.
Q. Will the discretionary funds be taken away by commissioners?
A. No gas taxes are being allocated to individual commissioners’ districts for eligible road projects. Unspent allocations from previous years remain in each of the districts for eligible road projects. Five of the seven commission districts received $200,000 each this year under the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP). RAP funds are available for eligible recreation and cultural programs.
Q. Are there any programs in place or that are being considered to improve and streamline the county’s processes to eliminate waste and reduce costs?
A. The county had a budget oversight committee that reviewed the budget and county spending during the FY 2008 budget development process. We have begun the FY 2009 budget development process which includes further analysis of existing programs and funding.
Q. Would the budget cuts affect any of the programs/services at the Morikami Museum?
A. We will not know that until the Parks Department submits the budget request for that program.
Q. Are all county employees similarly contracted for pension provisions?
A. At no cost to the employee, Palm Beach County provides retirement contributions to the Florida Retirement System
Q. How much revenue does the 5 percent tourist tax produce?
A. The 5 percent tax is estimated to generate $30 million this year
Q. What are your thoughts about salary freezes or reductions?
A. The county pays salaries based on comparisons with other public entities. The county has increased the amount of money employees pay for medical insurance.
Q. Why is the lifeguard tower at the end of Ocean Cay closed?
A. Palm Beach County eliminated lifeguards at the beach at Ocean Cay Park, just north of Juno Pier in Jupiter due to budget cuts.
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