We believe in constructive criticism. We also believe in recognizing positive efforts to produce sound fiscal management. Our hats are off to the County Commissioners and to the Sheriff for their efforts to reduce spending and for their withdrawal of the proposed sales tax increase. We feel like these were positive first steps toward returning our County to responsible spending policies.

We still have a long way to go in changing, as one Commissioner has said, “the culture of spending”. Our County Commissioners need to set strong examples to their Staff that increased revenues are not an excuse for unwarranted spending.

The County Commissioners were able to reach their goal of reducing an almost $400,000,000 budget by $11,000,000 in just four days. We think that this was good work. We also think that this should send a strong message to the County Commission and its Staff that there is still a large amount of spending reduction possible. We think that the goal of the Administration and the Commission should be “roll-back” or greater. This would go a great way toward making growth pay its own way while really putting the various Departments on a real budget. Similar to what all of us face in private life, learning to live within our means.

To achieve this goal the Commission needs to establish strong fiscal policies. We suggest that the place to start is with personnel costs, which are the lion’s share of operational costs. With today’s technology most of us can do more with less. The County’s very liberal overtime, days off, vacation and retirement policies should all be on the table.

This should be foremost in the minds of Commissioners in selecting the new Administrator. The Commissioners should seek someone who has the experience to deal with union negotiations.  The County desperately needs someone who can keep unwarranted costly provisions from being included in contracts in the first place.  We have previously suggested that goals should be established for the new Administrator. 

In addition the County must reign in the costs of capital improvements. Reasonable limits have to be established for the square foot price paid for new county construction and a limit set on the number of consultants and part time employees.

These policies are also applicable to the School Board, our City Governments and our Constitutional Officers, the Sheriff, Clerk, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections. These collective budgets make up the bulk of our County’s spending.

All of the public agencies contribute to our tax burdens. We look forward to working with all toward effective fiscal policies.

The School Board budget is by far the largest part of our County tax bills. School Board budgeting and expenditures are also far more subject to the State’s control. Never the less, we see the opportunity to reduce administration costs and costs paid for capital improvements. Our main concern, shared we believe by the School Board and Superintendent, is the education of our children and their safety while attending school and associated functions.