Portage County Executive looks to "create a bridge to a new design, a way of functioning on less"

Portage County budget plans for losses. (Stevens Point Journal, 8/12/2011)

Excerpt:    Portage County officials expect to lose money from the state but gain it back in increased employee contributions in their 2012 budget.

The county will lose almost $600,000 in shared revenue from the state, and nearly $170,000 in transportation aid. It loses money in several other areas, as well, such as circuit court aid and the recycling grant. The county expects to have a total shortofall of $1.2 million.

But countering that is an estimated $1.2 million in savings because its employees will start contributing to their retirement fund in 2012.

The county doesn't participate in the state's health plan, so changes to employee health contributions imposed by the state will not affect the county's budget.

[snip]

[Portage County Executive Patty] Dreier said she challenged county departments to trim their budgets and operate more efficiently.

"I wanted to create a bridge to a new design, a way of functioning on less," Dreier said.

Other county and municipal budget news.
Antigo cuts fire, police positions.  (8/15/2011)
Adding up the budget numbers in the Fox Valley.  (8/14/2011)
Sauk County officials ask for input.  (8/12/2011
Marathon County ranks services to address $500,000 budget shortfall.  (8/12/2011)
City of Beloit faces a challenging budget process.  (8/8/2011)
Fond du Lac city manager sez Governor's tools not enough to offset cuts.  (8/2/2011)
Manitowoc mayor asks department heads for 10% budget cuts.  (8/2/2011)