Commissioners approved the 2009 Reconciliation Budget at their meeting on July 28, 2009. In most years, this process makes minor mid-year adjustments to reflect current projections after the first half of the year. This year, the reconciliation budget decreases the County's revenue and expense projections by $150 million from the budget adopted in March.

The major changes reflect the denial in June of a proposed property tax increase. By law, the County must balance its budget each year so that expenses do not exceed revenues.

The 2009 Operating Budget now totals $892.4 million, down $58.8 million. The 2009 Capital Budget is down $92.5 million to $666.6 million. The adjustments increased the five-year capital spending plan slightly from $1.420 billion to $1.433 billion, an increase of $13 million.

Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos said the dramatic cuts were necessary because the proposed property tax increase did not materialize and other tax revenues have been declining slightly more than expected. The budget cuts approved on July 28 represent the accumulation of service reductions approved by the Board of Commissioners on June 16 and July 21.

The budget resolution document available below includes a fund-by-fund summary of the approved budget adjustments.

2009 Reconciliation Budget Resolution