The time has finally come; the 2008 Pulaski County budget is nearly done. With just a few last minute items to consider, on November 13th the budget should be ready for presentation to the full Quorum Court. We have held the line on spending in 2007 and that has put the county in position to move forward with the repairs to the county jail. The funds are in the bank to repair the roof of the older portion of the jail building. With that completed, we will be able to move the prisoners out of the work center and free up at least 250 more beds. Indications are that the cities in Pulaski County have all agreed to continue their contribution of funds and support of the additional 80 beds above the 800 beds mandated by the inter-local agreement between the cities and the county.

Reports from the Treasurers office are that tax collection levels are up this year. Once we are sure of the numbers, we can start making plans to increase the number of jail beds that are to be funded and take more criminals off the street. The goal is to get the jail back to 1130 beds (the 2005 level of capacity).

A detention center is more than just buildings and bed space; it takes people to make it work. Many of the Pulaski County employees are responsible for the tremendous achievements accomplished this year. Many have taken on extra duties to cover positions that are no longer filled. During 2007, the quorum court has been sweeping the budgets of every department that had unfilled employee positions and putting these excess funds aside. As a result of these funds, we have been able to award all county employees a one time 3% bonus. I believe that these funds should be reserved for either the employees or to support the county jail. Therefore, I have written a letter to the county comptroller deleting my name from those who will receive the bonus. Increasing the number of beds available to hold criminals will be bonus enough for me.

CLICK HEREto view the 2008 Budget Spreadsheet

Just last year the County budget was in the red with little or no hope of recovering.

The only solution the majority of the Pulaski County Quorum Court and the County Judge could see that would bring the finances into balance was a county-wide sales tax.

You, I, and a majority of voters answered with a resounding, 'not until you learn how to manage our money.' Even the report from UALR that was published this spring included a demand for responsibility in Pulaski County government.

But is a tax really what is needed to balance the county budget?

Fast-forward to today; the criminal that was in charge of county finances was discovered and punished. The Quorum Court has greatly reduced spending by following a roadmap I put forth in the first two months after you elected me. Using that same common sense approach as budget chair, 2007 budget process is flowing smoother and faster than ever before.

There is hope on the horizon of a cost of living increase for the county employees, the first in 3 years. We can actually plan to repair the county jail and return to pre-2005 levels of 1130 inmates to protect our county. And yes, there may even be enough funds left to deposit into our reserves for a rainy day. ALL without increasing taxes!

Proof once again that throwing money at a problem is the easy solution that never permanently solves financial problems.

First, you simply don't spend money until it is in the bank. Second, once it is in the bank, don't spend more than you have! Very basic financial principles that government often forgets. As the budget chairman for the 2008 budget process my goals have been for financial stability and public safety and most of all to win back the trust of the residents of Pulaski County.

This is a return from the brink year for Pulaski County and the Quorum Court. Now that we have our basics in place, we can go forward and lead this county the way our residents deserve.

AGENDA
PULASKI COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
October 18, 2007 10:00 a.m. - NOON

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT PREVIOUS MEETING:
Mr. Mike Hutchens, Comptroller
Mrs. Debra Buckner, Treasurer

DEPARTMENT BUDGETS FOR CONSIDERATION:

5810 COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) (PAGE 325)

2300 GENERAL SERVICES (PAGE 136)

2504 CENTRAL HEALTH DEPT. (PAGE 203)
4200 COMMUNITY SERVICES (PAGE 257)
2560 COLLEGE STATION WASTEWATER (PAGE 205)
2570 VALENTINE WOOTEN WASTEWATER (PAGE 206)
2580 RIXEY WASTEWATER (PAGE 207)
4210 HOUSING HAP PAYMENTS (PAGE 259)
4259 BARNES ROAD PROJECT (PAGE 273)
4263 BROWNFIELD REVOLVING LOAN (PAGE 276)
4267 COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY PARK (PAGE 279)

OTHER BUSINESS

Adjourn

Click hereto see KTHV video on jail funding.

October 16, 2007
10:00 a.m. - noon
Pulaski County Administration Building

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT PREVIOUS MEETING:
Mr. Mike Hutchens, Comptroller
Mrs. Debra Buckner, Treasurer

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE:
Mr. Kurt Knickrehm, Vice President,
Rebsamen Benefits Services

DEPARTMENT BUDGETS FOR CONSIDERATION:

0500 SHERIFF - ENFORCEMENT (Page 37)
0511 SHERIFF - DRUG CONTROL (Page 48)
2400 SHERIFF - DETENTION (Page 141, 158, 173)
2401 SHERIFF - DETENTION MEDICAL (Page 190, 195, 198)

OTHER BUSINESS

Adjourn

NEXT BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING:
Thursday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. - noon