Chairman Desmond Barrett of the East County Water Control District on May 19 asked the employees “What would be your suggestions to close the $1.2 million gap?”

“You have told us what not to do. We are looking for you to help us close the gap,” he said.

The Board continues to struggle with the budget and the revenue shortfall for the new fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009.

John Weatherhead, the union shop steward, said that ECWCD Manager David Lindsay wants to increase the contribution for health benefits from 50 percent to 100 percent of what the county employees pay.

The non-union staff has agreed to give up a pay raise. The union contract provides for a 4 percent pay increase effective October 1. The union contact is up for renegotiation this year.

The tentative budget proposal approved by the Board provides for an 11.39 percent tax increase. For the last three years the district has run a deficit.

The board has made up the deficit by raising taxes 25 percent and using money from reserves which came from the sale of dirt from the right of ways and the extra money collected from back taxes.

The reserves have been reduced to the minimum required by board policy for safe financial operation.

Money from the sale of dirt and the collection of back taxes will no longer exist in the coming year, Lindsay said.

Supervisor Mike Welsh requested that Lindsay present the board a zero increase (tax) budget at the next meeting.

“I do not think it is an unreasonable request,”said Chairman Desmond Barrett. He said they should be prepared for the “negative headlines and hysteria.” Manager Lindsay said it was either increase property assessments or cut services. He said no layoffs were being considered.

RealtyTrac.com reported on May 20 that there were 3,332 homes in default, 1,525 in Sheriff Sales, and 3,072 bank owned homes in Lehigh Acres. This is more than 25 percent of the homes in the Lehigh area.

The Budget Committee the next day reviewed current expenditures to determine if cuts could be made and recommended $140,000 reduction in current budget outlays.

Richard Georgian, a committee member, proposed that the District buy one of the large models on Lee Boulevard and use it as the District office.

He said it would cost less per month than the district is paying for its two rented trailers.

The ECWCD will meet on June 22 at 6:30 p.m. at District headquarters located offLee Blvd. and East County Lane, formerly Construction Lane. The meeting is open to the public with public comment encouraged.