The 2009 Budget Rating Simulator is available for downloading. Only one file (SIMULATE.MDB) has changed from the past years versions of the Simulator Program and it can be copied onto a computer that has been loaded with a previous year's program. This file should be copied into the SIMUWIN directory on your computer where the Simulator Program is loaded.

If you have the Simulator program installed from a previous year, download the SIMULATOR database (version 2009)

Due to programming restrictions, the 2009 simulator requires all expenditure data to be entered at 50% of actual. For instance, if total expenditures for the county total $890,000, then enter $445,000.  If you want to simulate a reduction of $50,000 in driver salaries, deduct only $25,000. This is necessary in order for all data to appear on the graph within the confines of the static X and Y axis when budget ratings are simulated.

If your browser doesn't immediately prompt you to save the file after clicking this link, hit 'stop' and hold down the SHIFT key and click the mouse on the link.

There are several important notes in using the Simulator to predict budget ratings for next year.

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1. Update students transported from the September, 2008 student count.
2. Update the number of buses you are operating for 91 days or more.
3. Update Expenditures based on your estimates for 2008-2009 as follows:

• The 2009 Simulator cuts expenditures in HALF. That is, expenditures of $1000 are reflected as $500.  Cost per adjusted student of $420 is shown as $210. All expenditures added or deducted should be entered as 50% of actual.

And, to put everything back in "2007-2008" dollars:

• Deduct HALF the amount that  you received for legislative increases this year:  (line 10 on your November 27, 2008 funding sheet.)
• ADD back HALF the amount that was deducted for the fuel adjustment on the Nov. 27 sheet (line 12).
  

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If you do not have the Simulator Program installed, you will need to install the 1998 Version of the Simulator, then follow the procedures above.

To install the 1998 Simulator:

• The file SIMULATE.ZIP should be downloaded into a TEMPORARY directory and unzipped using the PKUNZIP program. From the DOS prompt, in your temporary directory, execute the command: pkunzip SIMULATE.ZIP
• Before you begin, close all programs currently running (including the MS Office Shortcut Bar). Next, select START, RUN, SETUP.EXE from the TEMPORARY directory.
• The SETUP.EXE program is one of the files that you just unzipped. (After you run SETUP and have the simulator working, you can delete the files from your temporary directory.)
• If you do not have the PKUNZIP program, contact your project leader to request a copy.
• Download the SIMULATE.ZIP file. (Note, this file is approximately 5 MB and may take a while to download). If you prefer, you can download the simulator onto diskettes. You will need 4 diskettes.

Questions should be directed to DPI Transportation Services at (919) 807-3570