Judge Greer expresses concerns over additional budget reductions

To the Highland County Commissioners:

In response to your letter to all General Fund Department Heads dated Nov. 4, 2009, be advised I have reviewed my 2010 Budget and have found no line item that can be reduced any further without jeopardizing public safety or the effective/efficient operation of the Court.

By way of explanation I just received a state report showing for fiscal year 2009 Highland County Juvenile Court adjudicated 27 serious felonies. Many involved offenses of violence which obviously require immediate Court attention when filed and are on track to address approximately 100 children adjudicated abused, neglected and dependent. Once again these cases demand immediate attention and are costly to prosecute in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved. In addition to the serious felonies and Children Services case, we will process approximately 3,000 other transactions/cases during the year.

I have attached a letter to your Board dated March 16, 2009 that outlines the steps taken until that date to help with General Fund deficiencies. Since that date I have paid out of fees collected by the

Court various supplies, fuel to help the sheriff in his transportation obligations and salaries in the amount of approximately $25,000. As of Oct. 31, 2009, the bed days used at the detention center have been reduced by 58 percent over the prior 12 months. That equates to 721 fewer dates at an average of approximately $70/day or $50,740. The reduction in bed days has obviously resulted in a significant savings to the General Fund, but without question has placed the public and school students throughout this County at risk. One of my Probation Officers was told last week by a Probationer that he knew nothing could be done to him because there was no money to "lock him up." As evidence we are in part self-funded I have attached a statistical analysis that shows $163,991 was collected by Probate/Juvenile Court in 2008, a majority of which went to the General Fund or help pay General Fund expenses. You should also note that number will likely be less this year in part due to

reduced staff as a result of reduced appropriations.

Without demeaning the importance of all County offices it is important to note that much like the Sheriff's Department and Prosecutor's office, we deal with more than just filing papers. We deal with

cases/issues that affect the welfare and safety of many people as outlined above. To address the various issues outlined herein effectively and efficiently the appropriations as outlined in my 2010

Budget are required which includes $176,115 in salaries (without raises) for my Juvenile Clerks, Probate Clerks and Probation Officers.

I would note that my salary appropriations for 2000 was $157,500. My request for 2010 is below appropriations for 2005.

Concerning the Detention Center, I remain of the opinion that a substantial savings can be realized by becoming a non-member County.

Long-term, I see a substantial savings in dropping our membership. This is the only area of my Budget where any help can be provided to your General Fund issues. However, I cannot reduce any more bed days and am of the opinion more will be needed for 2010 to adequately protect the

public and students in Highland County.

With the cuts I have made over the past two years and, as your Board has publicly stated, an anticipated General Fund carry-over of approximately $300,000, into 2010 I trust no further cuts will be necessary to the Juvenile/Probate Court Budget.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information concerning operation of the Court. I appreciate the job your Board has done this year in operating the County in a fiscally responsible

manner.

Sincerely,

Judge Kevin L. Greer