County board examines plan for budget

Several Jefferson County department heads described how they're trying to do more with less at a budget session for the county's Board of Legislators on Wednesday evening.

The board is considering the 2010 recommended budget, which totals $233.3 million, an increase of 0.34 percent over 2009, with a tax levy of $48.7 million, an increase of 4.96 percent.

"We're not immune to the fact that times are tight," Highway Superintendent James L. Lawrence Jr. said. "Our revenues also are questionable."

Reimbursement programs such as the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program, which supports road projects, may end after 2010. Federal funding for Watertown International Airport, near Dexter, may also be in peril.

Under the recommended budget, the Highway Department will cut about $1.2 million in expenses from the $16,600,556 planned for 2009. The cuts are coming in fewer road projects.

Legislator Jennie M. Adsit, R-Watertown, asked Mr. Lawrence, "Are you getting caught up?"

Mr. Lawrence replied, "Not so much. It's going to be a challenging next few years."

He said the department is trying to put more money into fewer reconstruction projects so they will last longer. Four projects were completed this year.

Three ongoing projects will continue — county routes 155 in Watertown and Rodman, 6 in Cape Vincent and 30A, also known as Simonet Road,

in LeRay. Only one other project will likely begin. The county will rebuild county routes 194 and 26 in the village of Antwerp.

Mr. Lawrence said the eight-phase, three- to five-year project will cost about $2 million because it includes improving drainage.

"Village projects are expensive," he said.

The county also will work on several bridges.

"What is the long-term viability of the county bridges and road inventory?" asked Legislator Michael J. Docteur. "Where are we going to be in five years if this budget crisis is prolonged?"

Mr. Lawrence said, "The projects are a moving target."

The budget for Watertown International Airport also will see a reduction of about $124,000, to about $840,000.

Roger J. Ambrose, Jefferson County Community Services director, said his department is expecting cuts in mental hygiene and Medicaid reimbursements.

The department is predicting a 15 percent increase in enrollment in early intervention programs, to about 480 children, and a 20 percent increase in pre-school programs, to about 640 children. That leads to a recommendation for $700,000 more in expenses for the state-mandated programs.

"We've been seeing increases every year from enrollment in those programs," Mr. Ambrose said.

He said the county can expect a continued rise in the enrollment numbers.

County Public Health Service Director Jean A. Bilow said revenue will decrease in the home health care program, which is expected to bring in $300,000 less in 2010 than in 2009.

"Home health has operated for many years on a fee-service basis," she said.

But now, Medicare reimburses less and private insurers require "onerous" amounts of paperwork and want to negotiate to pay less for services, sometimes seeking less than the amount the service costs the county to provide.

"The substantial overages in home health care have diminished," Miss Bilow said. "They had covered other services in the department."

In response, Public Health has cut five positions by attrition,cut down on late accounts receivable, limited overtime and improved nursing productivity.

The board canceled its session Thursday evening to continue consideration of the budget. It will make recommendations and the budget will begin the Finance and Rules Committee meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The public hearing on the budget will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 10.