Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs will continue to be updated as the
FY 11 budget process continues. Libraries
Why did Wake County include closing libraries as part of the recommended budget?
Why is the County closing libraries and not parks?
Human Services
Will citizens see any changes in the services they receive?
Will the new Continuum of Care facility still open in the fall of 2010? Will the Mental Health Continuum of Care project continue?
Capital Projects
The County is moving forward with building the new Justice Center facility. How is that project being funded when there is a budget shortfall?
General Government
What is the projected gap for the FY 11 budget?
Libraries
Why did Wake County include closing libraries as part of the recommended budget?
The County analyzed every operational efficiency possible; however, they could not achieve the necessary spending cuts without proposing closing or consolidating facilities, and curtailing or eliminating certain services and staff. They examined library usage and service levels, proximity to another library, ability to receive services online, access for citizens to similar library programs elsewhere and, ultimately, the cost savings that could be achieved through the proposed reductions.
Why is the County closing libraries and not parks?
The budgets for Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS), and Libraries operate independently of one another. Like other County departments, parks and libraries each proposed reductions options to the County Manager.
Decisions will be based on where each reduction proposal falls in the overall County priority model.
Human Services
Will citizens see any changes in the services they receive?
The Human Services department provides community health programs and clinics, child and family services, mental health and substance abuse services, economic assistance and affordable housing programs. Some of these services are seeing increased workloads as the economy has slowed. As a result, citizens may experience increased wait times for some county services.
Will the new Continuum of Care facility still open in the fall of 2010? Will the Mental Health Continuum of Care project continue?
This past July, the County broke ground on the Continuum of Care facility. This project remains on schedule and will continue in order to open in the fall of 2010.
Capital Projects
The County is moving forward with building the new Justice Center facility. How is that project being funded when we have a budget shortfall?
Beginning approximately 10 years ago, the County began to budget for large ticket items, just as a family might budget for a big purchase. Since then, 15.76 percent of the tax rate has been set aside for capital projects, such as the Justice Center. Because the County has maintained the highest credit marks possible (AAA credit rating), we were able to finance the project at a lower interest rate, saving the County a significant amount of money on the project itself. Operating costs for the Justice Center will be included in the FY 14 budget.
The County is required by law to provide adequate and ample courthouse space to serve citizens. The current courthouse is well above capacity. The new Justice Center has been designed to accommodate the County’s needs, based on population trends, for approximately the next 50 years.
General Government
What is the projected gap for the FY 11 budget?
As of late March 2010, the projected gap is between $12 and $22 million. The County will use a combination of strategies in order to close that gap and have a balanced FY 11 budget.