We will be here for our clients

Busy waiting room at Hamilton County JFS
Busy waiting room at Hamilton County JFS

Today, I sent the following e-mail to our staff…

As many of you know, a state biennial budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 (7/01/09 – 6/30/11) has not been approved as of today. Not knowing exactly how the new budget is going to affect the agency concerns me greatly. I continue to hope that the state legislature will pass the budget as soon as possible. 

As the budget discussions continue at the state level, several counties in Ohio may be forced to conduct mass layoffs, and some may even close agency doors. Regardless of what happens in other counties, or even at the state level, I assure you Hamilton County Job and Family Services will continue to operate to the best of our ability. We will make payroll. We will pay our bills. We will meet our obligations and we will continue to serve the citizens of this county. 

Our Operations Team and Fiscal staff saw early on the potential the economic downturn had on our agency. We moved forward with reductions and laid the groundwork to help prepare us for the current budget situation. Unfortunately, because of the additional reductions that will certainly occur upon the eventual approval of the state budget, our Operations Team continues to make difficult decisions to reduce expenditures and staffing levels. But, because we have been proactive, the cuts we make may not be as drastic as other county JFS’ reductions. At this point, we do not have to do what other agencies are considering, such as shut our doors. 

Even though this has been a difficult time for everyone, I am proud at how you have come together to ensure that our clients’ needs are met. The clients are the reason we are here. We will continue to be here for them.

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by Jim Tinker

Filed Under: Funding

Tagged: County, Government, Government budget, Hamilton County Ohio, Ohio