Fourth Quarter Budget Report- The Board received the Fourth Quarter Budget Report from the County’s Budget Officer. The report continues to highlight the economic stresses that have gripped the County for the past year, the impact of the on-going recession, and the compounding state budget crisis. Total County revenues at year’s end were 24 percent below budget. Initial secured and unsecured property tax installments slightly exceed projections; however, supplemental property tax collections, property transfer tax and penalty collections, continue to be lower than the previous year. In addition to the continued lower revenues, the County will lose approximately $50 million in Proposition 1A funds due to suspension by the State.

Nevertheless, the County can take some satisfaction in its proactive and aggressive measures taken to reduce expenses, defer projects, and increase the County cash balances and reserves which has placed the County in a better financial position, than some counties. The total County expenditures and or encumbrances were 31 percent below budget with the General Fund expenditures 15 percent below budget at year’s end.

Next month the Board will begin the 2009- 2010 Strategic Financial Plan which will be critical in building a sustainable model and continuing the positive trends toward lower spending, better financial management, and long term liability reduction for the County. To view the Fourth Quarter Budget Report presentation, please click here.

91 Express Lane Toll Rate Adjustments- In July 2003, OCTA adopted a toll policy for the 91 Express Lanes which bases toll prices on congestion management pricing. The policy is designed to optimize 91 Express Lanes traffic flow at free-flow speeds. To accomplish this, hourly traffic volumes in the 91 Express Lanes are continually monitored. Once the hourly traffic volumes are consistently too high, and potential traffic congestion is identified, the rate increase is implemented. If hourly traffic volumes drop below optimal levels, a decrease in the toll rate is made. The toll policy also calls on an annual adjustment in toll rates for inflation. On October 1, 2009, the 91 Express Lanes will be decreasing the toll rate during seven hours due to a decrease in traffic volumes during those hours. Tolls will decrease by $0.50 on Mondays from 4-6 pm, on Tuesday from 5-7 pm, Wednesday from 5-7 pm, and Fridays from 5-6 pm. For more information on the new toll rates and the 91 Express Lanes, click here.

Left Turn Signals on Fairhaven Avenue- In response to concerns raised by motorists, OC Road-Traffic Engineering has looked into various alternatives to improve traffic flow along Fairhaven Avenue, between Yorba Street and Hewes Avenue, in the North Tustin area. Road-Traffic Operations adjusted the two intersections of Esplanade and Prospect multiple times in order to evaluate the best available signal green times for Fairhaven, while maintaining safe pedestrian crossings and traffic flows.Staff determined that the protected left turn arrows for the two intersections impacted the free flow of traffic on Fairhaven and restricted the amount of signal timing adjustment possible. To provide for more efficient traffic flow, and to reduce the wait time associated with left turns onto Esplanade and Prospect, Traffic Engineering changed the intersection signals to Protected Permissive Left Turn Phasing (PPLTP). PPLTP allows for left turn lanes when there is no opposing traffic. PPLTP is used within many cities in Orange County, including several locations in the city of Tustin, and already exists at the Newport Avenue at Dodge Avenue intersection, at Foothill High School. The change to PPLTP at Esplanade and Prospect was completed on September 23, and it was accomplished within the terms of the County’s existing Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract.

AD 72- Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley has added additional information to the ROV website regarding the pending 72nd Assembly District special election. The Governor has called for the primary special election to be on November 17, 2009.

In addition to general information on the election which can be accessed by clicking here, the ROV has launched a Stay Connected page, which will have up-to-the-minute information on the election. To view the Stay Connected page, click here.

I joined business representatives from Orange and Los Angeles Counties to observe U.S. Navy SEAL training at Coronado Island. We observed the "grinder" area, the obstacle course, various weapons and special boats utilized by SEAL teams. For security reasons, I was not permitted to take pictures of SEAL team members. However, I was authorized to take pictures of the training facilities. For pictures, click here. I was impressed with the training, dedication, and the bravery of the SEALs I met. For more information on the SEALs, click here. To read a powerful book about the SEALs, I suggest reading Lone Survivor by Marcus Lutrell. For more information on the Navy Special Warfare Foundation, click here.

On Saturday, Mary and I attended the Orange Park Acres annual barbeque at the Davidson residence. For pictures, please click here.

Mary and I attended the MCAS Tustin Hangar video documentary presentation at the Clifton C. Miller Community Center in Tustin. For pictures, please click here.

I met with Executive Director Steve Connolly for the Office of Independent Review to discuss issues related to the Sheriff’s Department.

I attended theVilla Park City Council meeting to introduce OCTA’s new CEO Will Kempton and OCFA’s new Fire Chief Keith Richter to the Council. For pictures, click here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tucker Wildlife Reception- On Saturday, September 26, from 5 to 8 pm, the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting a reception for the dedication of its new amphitheatre. For more information, click here or call (714) 649-2760.

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch- On Saturday, September 19, the Irvine Park Railroad pumpkin patch opens for the public. The pumpkin patch will be open on weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends. For more information, please click here.

It is a pleasure to serve the constituents of the Third District.

Please pray for our armed forces and our foreign services personnel.