Speaking at the Coto de Caza/Rancho Santa Margarita del Sol Rotary Club’s October breakfast meeting, Supervisor Patricia “Pat” C.  Bates acknowledged that the county has faced a number of firestorms, both figuratively and literally, since she took office as Supervisor for the Fifth District of Orange County.   While she admitted that the silver lining may be thin, Supervisor Bates remains optimistic and presents positive news whenever she can. She is determined to make good on two campaign goals that she promoted when running for office: greater government accountability and increased transparency at all levels of county government.

She believes accountability and transparency will help the county become stronger, more efficient and enable it to offer more effective programs and services to county residents.

As this year’s Chairman of the Board, Supervisor Gates acknowledged the economic downturn presents challenging times for county and local governments that are forced to intensify their efforts to reduce spending while experiencing significant declines in revenue. In contrast to the state, Supervisor Bates credits the County of Orange with having the foresight to these economic challenges before this current budget cycle.

In 2008-09, the county took significant measures to cut $32 million from its budget which included a hiring freeze, union negotiated salary freezes and a reduction in administrative overhead.   She feels the budget for the State of California will continue to fall short in meeting its mandated obligations unless significant budget reform is approved by the legislature. She noted that the county was discussing the employee work furloughs long before the state was mandated them for state employees. The state has already borrowed $49 million from revenue earmarked for the county and any payback of these funds seems unlikely for some time.

Law enforcement has taken the largest hit this fiscal year with budget reductions to the sheriff’s department of over $20 million. Forty percent of Sheriff Hutchinson’s command staff was laid off and another 25-30 positions eliminated in order to reduce the budget shortfall. This has been one of the most difficult decisions for the county as public safety is a top priority for the Board of Supervisors.  Through cuts to the administrative services and use of more non-sworn personnel to manage the county correctional services, millions of dollars will be saved.

Other ways the county has addressed the economic shortfall include,

·         Initiated a performance audit of all county services to recommend cost-cutting measures that will not reduce service capacity

·         Reviewed  information technology systems infrastructure to eliminate waste and duplication

·         Directed the County CEO to review the practice of re-hiring retired employees at costs greater than market rates for new employee hires. Supervisor Bates commented on the “landmark” pension reform case currently under appeal and the hopes that pension reform will provide a long-term solution to the county’s budget crisis.

·         Took a hard look at reducing business fees for the development and food service industries.

 

In terms of economic stimulus, the county has approved both the design and construction of a new terminal and parking structure at John Wayne Airport and the revitalization plan for the Dana Point Harbor. These projects will create new construction jobs within the county.

In 2010, Supervisor Bates predicted one of the biggest stories to be the Primary election of a new Governor.