Officials Predict Shortfall Of $690,000 In County Budget

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   A $690,000 shortfall in Navajo County’s budget is predicted, if current economic trends continue, the Navajo County Board of Supervisors learned Nov. 10.
   “We project a $690,000 shortfall as of the end of October,” Deputy Finance Director Cris Parisot said.
   She told the board that the county has received its first vehicle license tax payment for November, and it is “considerably lower” than the October payment. Parisot also noted that a payment the county had been hoping to receive from the state has been converted to a credit, so the county will not be receiving it in cash form.
   County Manager Jimmy Jayne noted that he believes the conversion to a credit with the state is a one-time occurrence, but he is gathering additional information and will make a presentation to the supervisors at their next meeting.
   In response to a question regarding the budget from an attendee of the board meeting, Jayne explained that the board passed a balanced budget, but unpredictable economic changes throughout the state are forcing constant adjustments to the budget.
   “Generally speaking, Navajo County Board of Supervisors passed a balanced budget as they were required to do. We’ve done our best to project revenues in a pretty surreal environment with the economy today, that’s why we’re giving these budget updates every two weeks,” Jayne noted. “The departments have reduced spending as much as possible while still keeping employment intact, and we’ll continue to do our best to do that, understanding that the legislature is likely to go into special session and that is of great concern. The state is continuing to look at counties to help them solve their problem.”
   Jayne noted that his two biggest concerns are that the state will either ask the county to return some funds, or force the county to pick up the tab for state services.
   “We’re nearly halfway through the fiscal year and the state is still looking at a $2 billion deficit,” he remarked. “We’re hoping the state is not going to throw us a curveball halfway through the fiscal year.”
   He explained that the county will continue to monitor expenditures and revenues closely, and work with legislators to try to minimize damage from state budget cuts.
   In other action Nov. 10, the board:
   * Approved an agreement with the City of Holbrook to fence off the alley by the sheriff’s office on Arizona Street.
   Supervisor J.R. DeSpain noted that he was concerned about the flow of traffic, but after visiting the site in person believes there is plenty of parking and alternate ways for vehicles to travel to and from a nearby bank.
   Commander Bob Sutton also told the board that the Holbrook Fire Department will have access cards to open the gates in case of an emergency.
   * Approved a contract with Robin L. House for office support duties for the First Things First oral health program at a rate of $12 per hour.
   * Approved redirection of $9,000 for the teen pregnancy prevention program to create an interactive maze and display that will travel to cities throughout the county.
   * Approved a $71,000 budget for H1N1 prevention and services.
   Funding for the program is being provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
   * Appointed a terrorism liaison officer and approved an agreement with the Department of Public Safety for access to terrorism information.
   * Authorized Don Berry to represent Navajo County on issues relating to the Eastern Arizona Counties Resource Advisory Council.
   * Approved a contract with attorney Bob Kamman for $3,000 for assistance with the 2006-07 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit.
   * Approved the expenditure of $17,000 in District II Secure Rural Schools funds for bus route maintenance for the Holbrook School District.
   * Approved the expenditure of $15,000 in District II Secure Rural Schools funds for bus route maintenance for the Cedar School District.
   * Authorized the issuance of bonds in an amount not to exceed $70,590 for the North Whistle Stop Loop Improvement District.
   * Approved a special use permit for development of a guest ranch at 9125 Grant Road in the White Mountain Lake area.