Our challenge for 2010: How to prioritize government services.
The current economic downturn is on everyone's mind these days. We are frequently making decisions on spending: Do we need to make this purchase now? Can we put this expense off for a while? Should we plan a vacation, or add to savings? How can we stretch our dollar just a little bit further?
Fulton County government is facing these same decisions. The decline in property values is reducing property taxes collected. The decline in consumer spending reduces the sales tax revenues collected. Other fees and taxes collected are also lower than projected. The County Manager has developed a cost reduction plan for 2009, and the Board of Commissioners will be making some tough choices in the next few months.
At the same time, we must look at our 2010 budget challenges, and begin the discussion with you, our constituents, on what you value most in government services. Fulton County is required by law to provide Criminal Justice, Public Health, Tax Assessment and Collection, Elections, Emergency Management and Library services. Other services we provide are discretionary, such as Arts Council Programming and Grants, Human Services, Animal Control and Cooperative Extension Services.
The Board of Commissioners must weigh many factors. Should discretionary services be cut back or eliminated? Should personnel costs be reduced through salary and benefit reductions or furloughs? Should service levels be reduced in mandatory services? Each option has far-reaching impacts. It is well known that economic declines will result in increased demand on the Court system, as bankruptcies, foreclosures, and increased criminal activity rises. If Fulton County provides less funding for the Criminal Justice System, longer delays in case processing and closure result, which impact jail population levels as well. Reductions in health and human services may have unforeseen impacts on citizens who are out of work and have no other source of assistance. Reductions in hours of operations of libraries and health centers may not be what the citizens want, but may be necessary to balance the budget.
I remain steadfastly opposed to using capital reserve funds to provide for operating expenses. We must preserve capital funds for their intended use. Buildings and facilities of Fulton County are the property of the taxpayers, and their condition must be maintained. The Board of Commissioners must craft future budgets that match annual spending with the annual revenues collected. Responsible fiscal oversight demands nothing less.
It is critical that we hear directly from you, our citizens, on your priorities for future county government services. Please take a moment and contact me at 404-612-8213 or Lynne.Riley@FultonCountyGA.gov with your thoughts and suggestions. .
I represent your interests as a Fulton County Commissioner, and need your input to do so effectively. Together, we can develop a budget plan to meet your needs within our means.
Lynne Riley
Fulton County Commissioner - District 3
