County supervisors have made some wise, short-term moves as they
attempt to fill a deficit for the fiscal year, but there is a lot
of work ahead as they face long-term structural shortfalls,
decreased revenue and a lagging economy.
County supervisors have made some wise, short-term moves as they attempt to fill a deficit for the fiscal year, but there is a lot of work ahead as they face long-term structural shortfalls, decreased revenue and a lagging economy.
Supervisors last week set the stage for an Aug. 24 budget adoption by holding hearings to examine various costs and how to fill the $9.7 million deficit. Among the recommendations were to cut the undersheriff role along with 11 other layoffs, several in mid-management.
They also made the right move by steering away from the possibility of closing the San Benito County Free Library, though it is ludicrous that anyone proposed the idea considering its long-term importance, compared with other services, to the community.
For four days, officials chipped away at the deficit. They found several ways to reduce costs in the budget, such as directing administrators to cut 30 percent from the nearly $300,000 travel budget – though we wonder whether they could reduce even more of that figure – and the recommendation to eliminate the long-standing undersheriff position, saving more than $180,000 annually.
Next year, perhaps, they can consider eliminating donations to nonprofit groups that are not mandated or in need of minor matching grants. It could save up to $80,000 – or the equivalent of a position in some departments.
The bottom line is that services will continue to decrease unless officials find ways to not only lop larger chunks out of the structural deficit, but to also increase revenue through a rejuvenation to the local economy. In the end, this county’s leaders eventually will have to take more revolutionary steps, which is why it was nice to see supervisors include $10,000 in this year’s budget toward studying the idea of a merger between the sheriff’s office and city police department.
Their best chance of success, their best chance of most responsibly representing this county’s entire citizenry, is to get away from the inevitable politics that will accompany such decisions.
The best chance of leading this community from its economic rut is to make decisions that are best for everyone, not specific groups or individuals.
