Today, Franklin County Commissioners approved a $316.6 million General Revenue Fund budget for 2010. The county's 2010 All Funds budget, which includes federal and other funding sources, is $1.74 billion.

The 2010 Budget is aligned with the current conditions of the regional economy and the 2010 General Fund Budget will decrease by $6.8 million or 2.1% below the approved 2009 General Fund budget.

The 2010 Budget is a fiscally stable budget that carefully targets 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 operating budget will be spent to prosecute crimes, deliver justice, detain inmates, and assure public safety for Franklin County residents. Over 57% of the All Funds budget is allocated towards Social and Human Services, including Jobs and Family Services programming.

"The budget makes significant economic investments to encourage the development of jobs and private business growth. It has been developed during the most severe economic recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. In the face of a 7% reduction of revenues for the General Fund compared to the 2009 Approved Budget, we are presenting a conservative budget for 2010 that preserves funding for essential services without turning its back on future needs," said Commissioner Paula Brooks.

In 2010, Franklin County anticipates expending $25,076,698 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 Budget invests in two new community partnerships with the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, Inc. and provides the first payment of $500,000 to Nationwide Children's Hospital for Ohio's Better Birth Outcomes.

The Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, Inc. 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.

"Given the current economic environment, we were able to continue to fund our Community Partnership organizations and invest in new partnerships that will help our most vulnerable resident's live safe and healthy lives," said Commissioner Marilyn Brown.

For the first time, Franklin County residents will now have access to a user—friendly electronic Citizens Guide to the Franklin County Budget. That document can be accessed via the web at http://www.co.franklin.oh.us/commissioners/budget/content/10budget/

"I'm proud we're passing a fiscally responsible and well planned budget that is over 2% below the Budget approved last year. Currently in our community residents are relying heavily upon on human services, some for the first time in their lives. Fifty—seven percent of the 2010 Budget is directed towards answering that need," said Commissioner John O'Grady.