Facing a looming budget deficit, the Board of Supervisors authorized the first round of budget cuts, but not without controversy. After three hours of testimony, debate, and public pleas, the vote was divided 3 to 2. The first vote to approve the wholesale cuts suggested by county CAO Laura Gill was only supported by Supervisors Dupray and Baumann, both of whom will term-out this year.

Several other Supervisors simply could not support cutting some of the programs and a compromise was reached to spare economic development, the museum, and veteran’s services. Although the cuts only represent half of those needed, the
Economic Development position and the Museum are seen as revenue generating centers; therefore, their elimination was seen as counter productive to balancing the budget. The Museum is almost entirely staffed by volunteers and although it does not charge admission, it does sell items and receives many donations.

The veteran’s service is considered a duty of the county to those that have sacrificed to preserve our freedom and allowed us to have public debate and free elections.

The cuts are attributed both to the general economic slowdown and the long delays in processing permits. Costly delays are caused from unnecessary and redundant steps in the “checklist” process and incorrectly zoned parcels.

A recent report from the CAO’s office describes a dysfunctional Development Services department with problems from the top to the bottom. The report notes a department that is top heavy in management and line staff in need of additional training. Most disturbing is the observation that output performance standards are not know or are simply ignored.

This problem contributes to significant delays in revenue going into the county’s budget, but also in outright losses of funds from builders that simply leave EDC. Expect to see more action on this front as the county struggles to balance another $8 million dollars in deficit.