• Set-aside funds to pay for expenses stemming from the Inyo Complex Fire that may not be reimbursed.

• Fund increases in employee benefit costs, and pay for the recently-approved cost of living adjustments necessary to ensure that the gap in compensation between Inyo County employees and the employees of other public agencies in the region does not increase

• Provide General Fund Operating Transfers necessary to avoid reductions in service in key Non-General Fund budgets

• Maintain the funding for the County’s Grants-In-Support Program at FY 2006-07 levels

• Provide for personnel actions recommended by the CAO, including endorsing several requests for new positions that will help to improve delivery of services without substantially increasing costs

• Budget $26,303 for Contingencies

In addition, the CAO-Recommended Budget also provides funding for some of the un-met needs identified in last year’s Budget, and during the Mid-Year and Third-Quarter Financial Review, including:

• Funding the costs of the essential electrical system upgrades absolutely necessary to ensure operation of the Network/Financial Systems Project (other recommended electrical system upgrades remain unfunded)

• Paying for a rate-setting consultant for the town water systems

• Increasing Advertising County Resources Program funding to near FY 2005-06 levels

• Restoring four (4) seasonal employees in the Parks & Recreation Department.

• Funding for the prescribed tree trimming and removal program at County parks and campgrounds

However, despite what it is able to accomplish, this Budget still leaves the County with many un-met needs, including:

• Only infusing $50,000 into the Deferred Maintenance budget (the County’s Deferred Maintenance Program that identifies over $2 Million in critical projects at public buildings)

• Funding for new positions, facilities and equipment necessary to address compliance issues at County solid waste facilities

• Identifying funding for short and long-term office space needs

• Addressing over $500,000 in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades at County facilities