Kalamazoo County Government

 Budget Forecasting/Five Year Budgets  Sustainable Financial Practices  Employee Compensation  Innovative Practices

Kalamazoo County Government

 Head count relatively flat (741 – 745)  Salary schedule increases less than revenue growth (5.5%)  Employee benefits remain stable (40% blended)  10%  36.5%  57%

Kalamazoo County Government

3 Examples: Mandated Service: Jail and Revenue Sharing Internal Function: Employee Health Care Initiatives Optional Service: Parks, Expo Center & Trails

Kalamazoo County Government The Problem(s):  2 failed jail millage requests  Elimination of revenue sharing, creation of revenue sharing reserve The Solution/Approach:  Revenue sharing reserve shifted to capital  Self-imposed austerity program  Dual goals  self-fund jail solution  eliminate reliance on uncertain future funding

Kalamazoo County Government The Problem: Rapidly increasing (double digit) yearly health care costs for employees The Solution/Approach:  Implemented data-driven measurable program with successful track record from local private sector one- to-one coaching firm.  Instituted 100% self funded health plan; modified benefits to emphasize personal responsibility and prevention.

Kalamazoo County Government More healthy, productive and satisfied workforce; with positive impact on their families. The Results:  Self funding  Design changes  Nationally recognized best practice wellness program  80% participation  No appreciable increase in Health Care Expenses in last 5 years

Kalamazoo County Government The Problem: Budget difficulties in 2004 questioned ability for ongoing funding of Parks (non-mandated service); talk of closing a park that year. The Solution/Approach:  Goal established: self-sufficiency in 10 years  Concentrated customer-driven focus  Emphasized community partnerships

Kalamazoo County Government The Results: Over the last 5-6 years:  Park Attendance Up 79%  >1 million visitors/year!  Non-Tax Park Revenue Up 69% ($439,310)  From 46% General Fund Support to 18%  Nearly $2 million in Endowments  Closer relationships with community partners  Expo Center >300,000 visitors; 12,000 overnights