COLUMBUS — Today, Franklin County Administrator Don L. Brown presented Commissioners with the 2010 Recommended Operating Budget for the county's 35 budgetary units. Administrator Brown noted that Franklin County has been recognized for sound financial planning, good administration and effective response to community needs.

A General Fund Budget appropriation of $316.4 Million is recommended for 2010, 6.9% less than the total amount of agency requests. The 2010 Recommended Budget is aligned with the current conditions of the regional economy and the 2010 General Fund Recommended Budget will decrease by $7.1 million or 2.2% below the approved 2009 General Fund budget.

The 2010 Recommended Budget is made up of investments that are connected to 1) public safety; 2) environmental sustainability; 3) advancing the twin goals of jobs and economic growth; 4) promoting access to affordable housing and health care; and 5) providing services for Veterans.

The greatest and most basic priority in this budget is Community Safety and Security, 67% of the County's General Fund budget will be spent to prosecute crimes, deliver justice, detain inmates, and assure public safety for Franklin County residents. Over 57% of the recommended All Funds budget is allocated towards Social and Human Services, including Jobs and Family Services programming.

In 2010, Franklin County anticipates expending $23,384,308 in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. These dollars will be strategically invested to create and sustain jobs. Sectors to receive dollars are transportation, health & human services, education, housing & development, homeland security, and environmental sustainability, and public safety projects.

The 2010 Recommended Budget invests in a new community partnership with the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, Inc. which is a nonprofit organization formed specifically to create and operate a pharmacy of last resort for the uninsured and others who are unable to pay for discounted medications. The partnership is estimated to benefit 1,500 clients and 6,500 prescriptions will be dispensed.

"The Recommended Budget represents a balanced, results-oriented approach to delivering essential services to the public. Our focus will remain on providing the citizens of Franklin County with the most cost effective government possible while continuing to make necessary investments in human capital and physical infrastructure," said County Administrator Don L. Brown.

Representatives from each county office will come before the Board of Commissioners in the next several weeks to talk about their budget needs for the upcoming year.

The 2010 Budget Hearing Schedule, agency results, efficiencies and total expenditures planned for the upcoming year are available on the Commissioners' website at www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/budget.