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on the potential ramifications. He related that because Lane County had $37 million in reserves for the <br />Public Works Department transportation funds, the County would be able to keep those funds whole for <br />three years. He added that in the 2007 session of the State legislature, Lane County had been able to gain <br />$9.9 million in road funds. He said they were optimistic that in the 2009 legislative session the County <br />would be able to gain more relief for road funds. <br /> <br />Continuing, Mr. Stewart reported that there were no reserve funds that could accommodate the loss to the <br />General Fund and it would have to downsize. He explained that approximately 67 percent of the General <br />Fund went into the public safety system, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the District Attorney <br />(DA), Department of Youth Services (DYS) and associated programs. He said the remainder of the money <br />went into the reserve fund at a level of 10 percent of the General Fund balance in order to keep the bond <br />indebtedness and keep the bond rating up. He stated that the County was also mandated by law to maintain <br />elections funding and to pay for assessment and taxation. He underscored that nearly two-thirds of the <br />services funded by the General Fund were mandated by law and the County would no longer be possible to <br />meet those mandates and maintain the budget after July 1. <br /> <br />Mr. Stewart highlighted the draft budget in its current iteration, planning for no renewal of the funds, as <br />follows: <br /> <br />? <br /> In fiscal year (FY) 07-08 the County had a $540 million budget. A budget of $455 million is <br />projected for FY 08-09. <br />? <br /> In 2007 the County employed 1,507 people. In 2008 the workforce will be reduced by 12.5 percent <br />or 188 employees. The County provided a ratio of 6.4 employees per 1,000 residents in 1979-80; <br />the budget for FY08-09 will provide a ratio of 3.8 employees per 1,000 residents. <br /> <br />Regarding the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), he reported the following budget <br />reductions: <br /> <br />? <br /> The budget will be reduced by $26 million from $85 million, a “huge reduction in human services.” <br />Approximately 40 employees will be laid off. <br />? <br /> The Commission on Children and Families will be reduced by $81,000 and 1.5 Full Time Equiva- <br />lent (FTE) employees. He noted that the position specifically considered for reduction was the one <br />dedicated to searching out and applying for grants. In 2007 this position brought $200,000 to the <br />department. <br /> <br />Regarding the budget for public safety he highlighted the following reductions: <br /> <br />? <br /> The LCSO budget will be reduced by $15 million, or 23 percent of its budget. This budget would <br />potentially cause a reduction of 126 employees. <br />? <br /> Jail beds in the Lane County Jail would be reduced from 151 beds to 12. <br />? <br /> Sheriff’s patrol capability would be reduced from 24 hours to 20 hours per day. <br />? <br /> The DA’s Office will be reduced by $620,000, or nearly 7 percent. Staff would be reduced by <br />seven and fewer cases will be prosecuted. <br />? <br /> The DYS will lose $1 million, almost 11 percent of its budget, eliminating 16 youth beds for in- <br />house treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, as well as outpatient treatment programs. <br />? <br /> The Buckley House will no longer be funded and the service it provides for alcoholics will be lost. <br />? <br /> Veterans’ services funded by the County will be reduced. <br />? <br /> Funds for low-income housing will be reduced. <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 9, 2008 Page 5 <br /> Work Session <br />