Saturday
Jan102009
« BoC adopts interim budget »
Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 2:49AM
Though I was very critical of Gwinnett County commissioners attending an out-of-town retreat to discuss budget cuts, I must commend them on their strong leadership in adopting an interim budget this week. From initial estimates of a $43 million shortfall, commissioners whittled that amount to just $12.2 million. The most impressive aspect was that the budget includes "$26.2 million in additional spending reductions."
Wow.
Actually cutting spending when revenues fall. What a novel concept. Politicians far and wide could learn from the Gwinnett County Commission. Unfortunately, these cuts eliminated 29 planned police positions, funding for the Gwinnett Glows Independence Day fireworks show and the parks department's Movies Under the Stars. The cuts also cost 93 county jobs including 30 planning workers who were laid off Friday.
The county intends to have a final budget completed in March. By delaying for two months, the board hopes to "have a better picture of the economic landscape from which to work."
Wow.
Actually cutting spending when revenues fall. What a novel concept. Politicians far and wide could learn from the Gwinnett County Commission. Unfortunately, these cuts eliminated 29 planned police positions, funding for the Gwinnett Glows Independence Day fireworks show and the parks department's Movies Under the Stars. The cuts also cost 93 county jobs including 30 planning workers who were laid off Friday.
The county intends to have a final budget completed in March. By delaying for two months, the board hopes to "have a better picture of the economic landscape from which to work."
Reader Comments (1)
[...] police professionals would obviate the need for additional law enforcement officers that the county cannot afford anyway since the government entered the baseball stadium development [...]