Coconino budget cuts vaccinations
November 6th, 2008 by Sarah PickeringCoconino County plans to make budget cuts or institute new fees to stabilize Flagstaff’s economy.
As a result of the lagging economy, Coconino County has already made public program cuts in the areas of employment assistance, testing for diseases such as HIV and communicable diseases and vaccinations for cervical cancer and hepatitis.
Some Flagstaff residents are worried about the budget cuts and worried about major cutbacks in health-related county programs impacting the lives of the poor.
Kay Jensen, a Flagstaff resident and a 30-year-old stay-at-home mother, said she understands Coconino County needs to preserve the emergency reserve, but she has some concerns about the budget cuts.
“It’s a matter of money,” Jensen said. “When the county doesn’t have the money, it’s not like I can expect county programs to continue.”
The budget cuts may also involve reducing programs aimed toward keeping children healthy, such as free vaccination and testing programs.
“I know that the county is trying to keep Flagstaff’s economy up, but I’m worried about what this means for my children,” Jensen said. “The county might cut free flu and hepatitis A vaccinations for children, and some parents who don’t make a lot of money have depended on those vaccinations.”
Decreasing state sales tax collections and impending deficits are the driving force behind the budget cuts, and Coconino County’s emergency reserve of $28.1 million may be depleted over the next four years. The county intends to use budget cuts in order to bolster the emergency reserve fund, providing a secure fund for state and federal deficits.
Coconino County has cut $37,072 in vaccines for adults and free vaccines for the poor.
Gregory Nielson, a 42-year-old salesman, disagrees with the vaccine budget cuts.
“These vaccines have been helping Flagstaff,” Nielson said. “There are so many who can’t afford to go to a doctor, who can’t afford to go to a clinic, who can’t afford to get sick.”
Though Nielson disapproves of the chosen budget cuts, he said he understands the difficulty with cutting programs.
“When one thing needs to be cut, it’s always going to be difficult to choose which one,” Nielson said. “There are so many things Coconino County is doing to help. How are you supposed to pick and choose? No matter what happens, someone is going to disagree with the county’s decisions.”
The failing housing market is another concern for county budgeting. Flagstaff residents are concerned about foreclosures and rising real estate prices.
Ginny Crow, a 35-year-old nurse, has lived in Flagstaff ever since her child was born and is worried about paying bills and losing her home.
“My family and I have been here in Flagstaff for 12 years,” Crow said. “We don’t want to have to be worried about losing our home. Bills are getting more difficult to pay and job security is something we’re starting to worry about.”
Dana DeShay, a real estate agent in Coconino County, frequently hears concerns about the future of the economy and the job market from potential buyers.
“People ask me, ‘what’s going to happen when the market hits rock bottom?’” DeShay said. “They want to know how they can avoid being victims of the economy. Even solid job security can’t curb the fears of some people when it comes to their homes.”
As of September 2008, Arizona had the fourth highest foreclosure rate and the fourth highest total number of foreclosure filings of any state.
In September, nearly 13,000 properties received foreclosure filings, and though the numbers have been decreasing, foreclosure is still a concern for Arizona citizens.
“It’s scary to think any day you may have to leave your home, especially for residents who have been here their whole lives,” DeShay said. “I’ve met people who are forced to move in with family members or friends, and it’s a sad thing. People are becoming obsessed with holding onto their homes, and it’s understandable.”
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