Chair Wheeler's budget message to employees
Dear Multnomah County Employees,
Today we see the result of months of work as the Board of County Commissioners adopted the FY 2009-10 Multnomah County Budget.
This budget is a result of the hard work of many people and is built on some of the frankest conversations I have experienced among fellow commissioners, county staff and members of the public. I especially want to thank county leadership and community advocates for their efforts in guiding our understanding of the issues. I also would like to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of more than 65 percent of county employees who will forego wage increases. Salary savings, along with our targeted pursuit of new revenue, helped to lessen the blow of the largest budget shortfall in decades.
The impact of this budget is tremendously sobering – every county department has taken reductions – and programs, services, and jobs were eliminated. Many individuals have struggled with the difficult choices that this budget has required. The task ahead is equally sobering as we look to find long-term savings to meet the upcoming state budget reductions. I know that these decisions will not be easy, but I pledge to make them with thoughtfulness and compassion for the people whose lives are affected.
One common theme that has surfaced is the need for flexibility to respond to a rapidly changing environment. On a daily basis, I have learned something new about how the county does business and how we can do better.
As a board we have invested in innovation, programs that work, productivity, sustainable growth, and our responsibility for the people who depend on us for their safety and well-being. The resulting budget is based on sound principles for managing our limited public finances.
Despite the challenges of the economy, I have not lost sight of the fundamental qualities of strength and resilience among employees and members of our community. The end result will be an organization that is smarter and more efficient, contributing to a community that shares the responsibility for shaping the future and opportunities ahead.
As always, I want to thank you for the tremendous work you do to improve the lives of county residents.
Posted on June 4, 2009
follow Jeff on Twitter
Comments
(Note: Comments are the views of their authors, and no one else.)