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650 N. First Street
PO Box 96 Woodburn, OR 97071 Phone:
503.981.3441 |
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| County tightening budgets - Patti Milne |
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 | | | Patti Milne, Marion County Commissioner |
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We Marion County Commissioners have been warned: County revenues are tight and we will be faced with some difficult budget decisions in the upcoming budget process, which is set to begin in May. John Lattimer, our county administrator, gave us a preview recently of how he sees revenues and expenditures stacking up, or not stacking up, for the next fiscal year.
Mr. Lattimer was not trying to scare us; nor was he threatening doom and gloom for county services and programs. He was simply, matter-of-factly letting us know that balancing our budget (required by law) will mean some difficult decisions this year on the part of the board of commissioners and the budget committee. It is no surprise that the changing economy is affecting Marion County no differently than it is affecting state government, our local city governments, local businesses, and local families. Nonetheless, some belt-tightening will be necessary!
But the fact is, governments are always challenged by the fluctuations in the economy, and we should not get distracted by all the fears some are tossing around about whether we are or are not in a recession. Whether we are or are not is not as important as the course of action we decide to take to get through the cycles the economy regularly experiences.
Contrary to what some politicians believe, government should not try to manipulate the economy artificially through regulations or increased taxes. What government should do is to smooth the path by loosening unnecessary bureaucratic regulations and by reducing the burden of unfair taxes and fees, so businesses can be more productive, keep people working and keep money in the marketplace.
Regardless of whatever part of the economic cycle we are in, the board of commissioners is committed to maintaining those services and programs that our citizens find valuable, and we know this is not always easy on a tight budget. It is about setting priorities and we recognize that different people have different ideas as to where county funds should be spent.
There is much that we have done in Marion County over the last few years to prepare for these times when revenues are down and costs are rising. With new financial management policies in place, the county has achieved cost savings, efficiencies and set new standards of accountability. Also, we continue to find ways to streamline regulations, and strive to be more responsive to our citizens.
This spring we will be making our annual community visits to discuss the county budget, programs and services. Our Woodburn presentation, sponsored again by the Woodburn Area Chamber of Commerce, is set for May 21, at noon, at Country Meadows Village, 155 S. Evergreen Rd. I hope you will attend, and I encourage you to contact me and/or my fellow commissioners now with your thoughts and ideas on the budget and programs and services so we can address them. Call us at 503-588-5212.
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