County budget committee approved greatly reduced budget
By Dan BainThe county budget committee approved a tentative budget Mondays afternoon, after hearing from department heads with major reductions this year, in planning for no safety net money. MultimediaThe budget committee, made up of the three county commissioners and 3 lay members of the community, approved the proposed budget for about $145-million, a reduction of about $26-million from the current year's budget. But Commissioner Marilyn Kittelman abstained on nearly every vote saying she felt they were taking too much from the county's reserve account. "We've budgeted over $31-million of our savings to balance this budget and it's unacceptable to use more than a third of our savings with no guarantee of future replacement. I abstained from voting on certain budgets and I'm sure it was noticeable but I didn't want to vote opposed because I felt our department heads did what they were asked," said Kittelman. Commissioner Doug Robertson said he felt that's what the reserve account is for. "The budget that was put forth addresses the issues that we face, it addresses the challenges to the extent that we've been able to do it. It leaves significant reserves in the county budget and I support it." Chairman Bill Leming said he agreed the county needs to use some of that reserve to help provide needed services. "I think those dollars were put there to soften this, cushion this down. I think they should be., I'm not for spending them all like you say. I think we need to hold on to some of it. But I really believe they were put there for this purpose and I think it's serving it purpose and I think this year is a good time to show that." The budget was tentatively approved with 5 members voting for it and Kittelman abstaining. Robertson added they still should not give up on the county payments bill that still has a fair chance of passing, at least for a one year extension. |
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
