FY 2006 POLICY PRIORITY PROPOSAL

Policy Priority: Sustaining the Base Operating Budget

The base budget contains no new programs, initiatives or positions. The personnel budget funds the current complement of staff, with adjustments for grant-funded positions. Non-personnel cost increases are for contractual commitments, utility increases, and County vehicle charges. Funds for the Arlington Public Schools are based on the revised revenue sharing formula and a cap on tax revenues to set aside funds for tax relief.

There are several categories in the base budget where the program growth has increased more than the typical rate of inflation. These areas presented the greatest challenge to balancing a budget with minimal growth.

For example:

	Budget Growth	% Change
Transit – Metro	$1.2 million	10%
ART bus service	$ .3 million	5%
Debt Service	$ 6.5 million	17%

In addition, the base budget contains a contingent set aside for the County Board to make additional compensation and staff program support decisions. $10.9 million has been set aside in the base budget.

	Proposed	% Change
Compensation Contingent	$10.9 million
Retirement increase	$4.0 million	30%
Health Care	$2.4 million	10%
Employer of Choice Contingent	$4.5 million	2%

Funding Information

Total Compensation Contingent	$10.9 million