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Suncoast Pasco News

County Might Give Cost-Cutting Incentives

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: November 27, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - With Pasco County expecting to tighten its budget belt more next year, County Commission members plan to offer incentives to county workers for cost-cutting ideas.

Employees "in the trenches" know best how to save the county money, according to Commissioner Michael Cox.

"I think that's a great, big plus," Commissioner Pat Mulieri said during today's commission meeting about getting county employees more involved.

Pasco already has started an efficiency drive, according to Chief Assistant County Administrator Michele Baker.

The county has already been forced to shave $15 million from its fiscal 2008 budget, which took effect in October. Still more budget cuts could come, especially if Florida voters approve a property tax-related constitutional amendment on the Jan. 29 ballot.

County Administrator John Gallagher said he will prepare a report on employee incentives for commissioners to review in January.

Commission Chairman Ted Schrader would like to take cost cutting measures a step further next year.

"I think we need to be proactive," Schrader said.

He would like to explore consolidating some operations such as fleet management among constitutional offices.

For instance, the county and Sheriff's Office maintain their own fleet management departments. Sheriff Bob White, however, objected strongly to merging his fleet maintenance into the county repair shop during budget negotiations this summer.

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