By Debbie Williams Reporter
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Published: Tue, September 16, 2008 - 5:00 pm
Debbie Williams
A shaky economy, slumping housing market and sky high fuel prices are causing everyone problems, including county governments. "Our sales tax down, revenue from ad valor-em was an unknown figure because of all of the appeals this year and our gas tax was down," says County Commissioner Skip Gruber.
That means road projects that are not already funded, likely won't happen this year. A hiring county hiring freeze is being implemented and it will cost you three more dollars a month to have your garbage picked up.
The budget axe did spare one county agency. The sheriff's office will be fully funded maybe the only bright spot in this years budget.
"You can cut out travel, training, overtime, things like that, but the law enforcement is absolutely paramount," says County Budget Director Ron Cink.
Like many of us county government is cutting back, hoping the economy makes a comeback and fast.
Overall, the county's operating budget is just under 165 million dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. That's about a 20 percent cut over last year.
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i am glad to see the comissioners cutting back thier expenses finally like i have to do when i run short paying 4.00 for gasoline. get ready for more cuts as the revenue continues to shrink. i hope the garbage increase isnt going to fund the general fund, you dont increase taxes when we already cant afford the ones we have in a time of economic recession, which is where we are today. (Two quarters of negative growth) live within your means!