The finances in Madison County are in a precarious situation. The County Council must come up with a budget in the next 10 days, and the members are still looking for $3.8 million in cuts. Whatever happens the result will be painful, and the county will have to make do with less.
It was encouraging at Tuesday’s meeting that the council members, commissioners and some department heads came forth offering to have their salaries cut 4 percent. Once the ball was rolling, people jumped on and the result was a selfless show of unity and a willingness to put the county ahead of its personnel.
Of course, what everyone is giving up won’t come close to meeting the necessary cuts, but it’s a real and also symbolic gesture that other county workers need to join. It’s like a kid giving up her candy to a friend who had none. Although giving up the candy doesn’t solve the friend’s inability to get her own candy, it’s the willingness and desire to help that is important.
The County Council faces difficult choices as it crafts a budget in the next week. The council will probably look at joining Anderson in raising the county option income tax (COIT) along with more expenditure cuts to meet the goal of $3.8 million.
But a tax increase should be last on the list. The county will have to learn to take what it gets in revenue and apply it to services rendered. There will need to be creative thinking about what the county can and cannot do, and what accomplishments it hopes to meet within budget restrictions. By taking all things into consideration, the county can learn to operate more efficiently within the new reality of less revenue.
All local governments are going through this. The County Council will have another budget hearing on Oct. 22 and a public hearing on COIT on Oct. 26. Members of the public will be on hand to offer input, but at the end of the day the council members will have to vote on a budget. The unity among county officials — as the pay cuts request showed — will certainly be tested when it comes time to cut budget items.
Editorials
Editorial: County officials were right to offer pay cuts
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
-
Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
-
You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
-
Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
-
Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
-
You Said It: About contract, 'Teen Mom,' State of the City
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com, coupled with responses by the newspaper’s editorial board.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
