2012-09-12 Handouts - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 of 3 The county board continued its focus on streamlining service delivery and applying innovative ideas in order to cut spending without cutting service to citizens. Cost - saving measures totaling $1,013,299 enable a net tax levy of $97,517,399. That amount represents a 1.03 percent decrease from 2012. "Our priority is serving our citizens in the best way possible, while keeping their hard -earned dollars in their pockets to the greatest extent possible. Every day we demonstrate our commitment to public safety and service while maximizing the value of every tax dollar we collect," said Sivarajah. Innovations, collaborations, and cost saving measures: • Voluntary Separation Program In 2013, eligible employees will again have the opportunity to take advantage of a voluntary separation program that will save Anoka County taxpayers nearly half a million dollars annually in salary and benefit costs. Future ongoing savings will result from not filling some positions and either restructuring or hiring replacements at a lower pay rate for the balance. • Investing in Technology Anoka County is investing in technology to enhance public safety, better serve the customers, and save dollars through the saving of staff time and resources. Implementing technology -based systems, such as the imaging project in the Human Service's Economic Assistance Department allows staff to quickly access data that otherwise would have been tucked away in a file drawer. The Commissioners also receive their board meeting packets electronically. . Highway Department Over the past two years, the Anoka County Highway Department has undertaken the largest investment in Anoka County's transportation infrastructure in the county's history. Significant projects have included the rebuilding of CSAH 14 (Main Street /125 Avenue) through Andover, Coon Rapids, and Blaine. • Fiber The Connect Anoka County project is nearing a successful completion to bring a 286 -mile fiber optic network linking 145 public buildings — police, fire, public works, libraries, K -12 schools, colleges, city and town halls, and community buildings — in and adjacent to Anoka County. "Last year we were one of only two counties in the entire state that cut their levy, the amount we collect from the taxpayer. We know that the recovery is just beginning and we are more than comfortable to once again lead in our effort to put our citizens first," said Sivarajah. Key Facts and Figures: . Proposed 2013 budget $241,580,236 . Proposed 2013 net levy $97,517,399* (- $1,013,399 or -1.03% from 2012) • County program aid reduction - $917,666 • Certified foreclosures 2011 1,995 9/12/2012