Gilmer Must Cut Budget by 1.5 Million

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The Gilmer County Commissions held a workshop Feb 28, 2011 to discuss the budget. JC Sanford explained that the budget needed to be cut immediately. Mr. Sanford stated “a continued slide in income into the year will really put us in a hole if we can’t make it up” and “we need to cut spending, we can’t wait on a millage rate increase.”

A comparison was made with other Counties and also between this year and the 05/06 amended budget. Mr. Sanford felt the County should adjust back to the 05/06 budget to the best of its ability. JC explained that he had looked at every method he could to cut the budget and he knew too many had not received a raise. Danny Hall stated “the population hasn’t changed much since 2006” and “if you got a job, you got a raise”. Mr. Hall also added that he wished everything was running like it was but they had to figure out a way to cut the budget right now.

The BOC discussed different aspects to the budget issue. Mr. Beattie discussed ways of raising revenues by the Chamber assisting the County, such as making Gilmer a camera ready county. Mr. Hall explained that the YMCA could possibly take over the Parks & Recreation Department. Before the YMCA would take over, it would complete a strict evaluation and community study. The YMCA would operate on a 90 day trial if the change occurs. The BOC are all in agreement that Gilmer needs to investigate and follow up all revenue generating possibilities. However, nothing changes the fact that the budget has to be cut immediately.

Gilmer County Sheriff, Mr. Stacy Nicholson, was present and voiced his concerns regarding cuts to the Sheriff’s department. Mr. Nicholson told the BOC, “I have people working for peanuts now, I can’t cut them back to half a nut”, and “If we cut the budget back to 05/06 you won’t need the Court system.” Sheriff Nicholson explained, “I don’t know what the answer to the problem is, but trust me I’m thinking,” “I am going to lose every decent employee I’ve got, “I’m going to be left with the ones I wouldn’t care if they left anyway.” Mr. Hall’s response “What would you rather do, this or have the State take the County over?” It appears many hard cuts will have to be made to the County’s budget.

The BOC addressed overtime, which at last pay period was at $10,000.00 and in a year, could add up to $260,000.00. All were in agreement that promotions or pay raises should not be happening however the BOC can only control the budget. Mr. Beattie suggested that the BOC should consult the County Attorney about changes that would allow cutting salaries of Elected Officials. Initially the Chairman may make suggestions to Department Heads for the necessary budget cuts, but in the end the budget will have to be reduced.

Other topics discussed during the workshop were reactivating the County Surveyor’s badge that had been turned off by the previous Chairman, our local hospital, and the continuing trash disposal discussion. A heated exchange occurred when Danny Hall suggested changing Brian Jones to part time. This suggestion clearly upset Mr. Jones who stated “I will not stand by and let you slander my good name” with Mr. Hall responding “I am not slandering your name.” Mr. Sanford injected that this was not the proper time to discuss Mr. Jones position, although both Mr. Hall and Mr. Beattie explained this was how Mr. Sanford had told them it would have to be done.

The repeated bottom line is the same, the budget cuts must be made now. Economic hardships are being felt all over and Gilmer County is certainly not exempt. The BOC appears determined to research ways to increase revenues, but reality must be faced. While increasing revenues are necessary, it is impossible to do it fast enough to stop the budget cuts. At the close of the workshop the BOC confirmed a March 3, 2011 meeting to finalize plans to handle Gilmer’s trash disposal.

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