Editor's Note: The following is a guest column by Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet.

As Vice Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, I wanted to use this opportunity to update my constituents and concerned citizens throughout Washtenaw County about the recent passage of the 2010-2011 County Budget, specifically to outline the process and provide an overview of the details.

Written within the Priorities statement of the Board of Commissioners is the following:
 

“The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners use long-term financial planning in its decision-making process. The Board of Commissioners will also have an in-depth understanding of the County financial and fiscal issues and the County's policy choices. Programs and services will be based on the needs of County residents, available resources, and demonstrable outcomes for services provided by the County or by partner agencies.”

 
The statement goes on to read in the “Quality County Services” section:

“Washtenaw County strives to provide a level of services which is high-quality, effective, and efficient. The Board of Commissioners endorses the Guiding Principles, the Business Improvement Process, and Professional Development as management tools to accomplish this objective.”

 
I’m proud that, throughout this challenging process during very uncertain times, our budget strongly reflects these guiding priorities. The county staff, my fellow Board members, department heads, elected officials, and union leadership all came together work for a common cause: what’s in the best interest of Washtenaw County and its residents.

All made sacrifices in order to work together for a solution, and that’s all too uncommon in today’s world of deep partisan divide and lack of civility in politics and the governmental process. I’m very proud that that exists yet today in Washtenaw County.  
 
When looking at the specifics of the budget, it’s truly imperative to understand and appreciate the fact that this was a process that brought all sides and interest groups together at the negotiating table.  Of note and interest for the 2010/2011 budget is:
 
· The balanced budget matches spending with revenue at $99.2 million for 2010, dropping to $98.5 in 2011.

· The budget includes a net elimination of 19.6 full-time equivalent positions.  This figure takes into account the creation of new positions in economic development and energy, representing a necessary transition of priorities.

· The budget calls for a continuation of the county hiring freeze, no salary increases, unpaid furlough days and significant modifications to county employee health benefits, including increased co-pays and premium sharing.

· With personnel cost making up over 60% of the budget, it was important and very much appreciated that our union partners conceded their contracted 3% raise. This helped the county to avoid expected mass layoffs.

· The budget passed unanimously by a 11-0 vote.
 
To the citizens who participated in the town hall and county board meetings, I say THANK YOU.  You were an important part of the process. Representing my constituents and the citizens of Washtenaw County has been and will remain my number one priority. I invite you to contact me with any feedback, questions regarding the county budget or any matters of concern. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!