Moves money around to cover increases
The Dutchess County Legislature on Feb. 10 approved moving $2.4 million to cover the cost of new union contracts for its sheriff’s deputies, correction officers and support staff.
Legislators authorized two amendments to the 2020 budget: $2.07 million to cover raises for members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Employee Association (DCSEA); and $375,000 to cover raises and other costs for members of the Dutchess County Police Benevolent Association (PBA).
The DCSEA members, which include guards and office and building maintenance staff, approved a contract covering 2017 through 2021 that includes annual raises of between 2 percent and 2.25 percent the first three years, 2.75 percent for 2020 and 2.5 percent for 2021. The total cost will be $7.6 million over five years.
Under the new four-year contract with the PBA, which represents deputies, sergeants and lieutenants, Dutchess will pay $4.01 million in raises and other costs between 2020 and 2023. Union members will receive 2.5 percent raises in each of the first three years and 2.75 percent in 2023.
It’s fine that they are giving raises that they feel are needed. But paying for them by “moving money around”? I wish your publication might be able to tell us what they took it from. Hopefully it’s an OK move, but sometimes it can be better money management to be honest about the need to raise taxes a little rather than “find” money somewhere.
Hi Karen. The money to cover raises and other costs associated with the new contract was taken from the fund balance, or the reserve funds that municipalities generally accrue when revenues exceed forecasts and expenses are less than budgeted. It is pretty normal for municipalities to use reserve funds to cover unanticipated expenses and anticipated new expenses.
Leonard Sparks, Senior Editor