Letter: Get involved with budget process

The County Commission had an early discussion of the 2012 budget this week, with the Office of Management and Budget reporting an anticipated $12 million decline in revenue due to decreasing property values, which would be in addition to the $151 million cut from the budget since 2007.

That additional decline in revenue means this year’s budget process will involve more significant cuts to programs and services than have occurred in the past. These reductions will impact multiple segments of the community in an undesirable manner.

For this reason, I strongly urge you to be involved in the budget process. Statistics show that usually only 7 percent of the population is active in local government; which is unfortunate given the magnitude of the financial decisions that need to be made this year and the impacts they will have on residents.

There are numerous ways to get involved between now and final adoption in September.

Specific upcoming opportunities for involvement include the Budget Hearings May 10-13 and the Town Hall meetings in June.

Michael D. Wanchick
County Administrator

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