Can't meet payroll, JPs told, so cut

PINE BLUFF -- Jefferson County justices of the peace will discuss tonight how the county can make its July 15 payroll after experiencing a steady decline in revenue because of population losses over the past two decades.

Since 2000, Jefferson County has lost more than 11,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The county's current population is 73,191, according to a 2013 census estimate.

A proposal prepared by the Quorum Court's Finance Committee calls for cutting the salaries of county employees who are paid from the county general fund by 20 percent, starting immediately, to help ease the financial crisis.

Finance Committee Chairman Herman Ginger said the county will be able to pay workers Tuesday, but funds will not be available for the July 15 payroll if something isn't done.

The proposal notes that "elected officials are directed to structure the reductions in any manner which they deem feasible to maintain office hours consistent with current office hours and may offset reductions by any other funding sources to which they have access and authority over."

Last week, most elected officials said they were deferring comment on the issue until after tonight's meeting.

County Judge Dutch King said he didn't want to see anyone lose their jobs but that the county must find a way to bolster its finances. King is the chief administrator of Jefferson County.

Currently, the county spends $600,000 each month on salaries out of $750,000 allotted for expenses.

Ginger and other Quorum Court members say the county can no longer afford all of its workers, and department heads must "figure out how to reduce their staff."

Under the proposal, the offices of the Jefferson County treasurer, tax collector and assessor would be exempt from cuts because their offices are self-funded. Reducing all other personnel salaries by 20 percent would potentially save the county $120,000 per month, according to the committee's proposal.

The committee is also recommending that employees split insurance premiums 50-50 with the county, which would mean an 11 percent increase in what employees pay. This move would save more than $22,000 each month, according to the proposal.

If the Quorum Court approves the measures tonight, the county would be able to pay workers in July, but layoffs may be needed to ensure future payrolls are met, officials said.

County judges in nearby counties say their budgets are also strained but not to the point of Jefferson County's. Roy Rogers, county judge of Desha County, said losing significant population, as Jefferson County has, "is almost impossible to make up for."

Rogers added: "We are faring OK here. Our population has gone down some, but we are holding our own right now. I feel for what Jefferson County is going through right now. I know it's a tough time for them."

State Desk on 06/29/2015

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