Citrus County Property Appraiser Geoffrey Greene has submitted the office’s 2011-12 budget request to the state Department of Revenue for approval, showing 3.13 percent decrease compared to last year.

The Property Appraiser’s proposed budget for this coming year is $3.61 million. During the last four years, the budget has been reduced by more than 23 percent.

“The 2011-12 budget has also been transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as a courtesy for coordination and education of our taxpayers," Greene said. "While the County Commissioners have no approval authority, this transmittal demonstrates my office’s good faith in working with Citrus County government, while recognizing the challenges of these economic times. "

Greene said that approximately 10 percent of his office's budget comes from sources other than the BOCC, as provided by Florida Statute.

"Once approved by DOR, the budget will be put on our web site to reflect my commitment to transparency and full disclosure in government for the benefit of the public. ” said Greene.

Down from a high of $4.674 million in 2007-08 at the height of the boom, the Property Appraiser’s budget today is $1.2 million dollars less than it was just four years ago. Staffing costs will again be reduced by 3.6 percent this year, as the office continues to look for ways to run more efficiently.

Greene said it must be noted that several operational costs are beyond the office’s control, such as health insurance, utility and fuel costs. This year’s reduction in personnel expenditures comes as a direct result of retirements, attrition and voluntary furlough days, Greene said.

"Retirement rates which are mandated by the State are also down this year, but we have already been warned to expect them to increase again next year. The number of employees at the Property Appraiser’s Office has returned to pre 2004-05 levels, before the real estate boom."

Greene added, “When approximately 70 percent of your budget is made up of personnel and related expenditures, further reductions are hard to achieve. That was one of the reasons we looked so hard at technology in recent years.

“My staff is also to be commended for participating in a voluntary furlough program especially this year. Approximately 15 percent of the staff is still participating during these challenging economic times despite increased costs to them in the form of state mandated retirement contributions. The furlough program saved another $22,000 which is essentially the equivalent of one-half of a position. That meant we did not have to cut essential positions further.” said Greene.

“This year, same as last, there will be no dollars spent on capital expenditures. My bottom line is to fund this operation at a level sufficient to serve the citizens of Citrus County and do the job mandated by law. We simply must recognize the economic times and like our local businesses and homeowners continue to do more with less.”

• Click here to download the Property Appraiser's 2011-12 Budget