Once again, I sat through the County Commission’s latest budget workshop. And once again, they chipped away at any savings originally proposed by County Administrator Gastesi, and offered no alternatives for additional cuts that could be realized in the next budget. Here are a few observations:

The County Commission is proposing a 9.95% increase in the millage rate, just shy of the margin they’d need for unanimous approval. This increase doesn’t replenish our reserves, and doesn’t account for potential additional expenses should voters choose to maintain Trauma Star for another six months. The Commission passed this decision to the voters and, if approved, there is no provision to pay for it.

Mr. Gastesi suggested that he will “find” more money in the budget, and I hope he does — but why doesn’t the Commission enter the budget process with full discovery - with full knowledge of a potential and accurate budget? Granted the Commission will have another opportunity to oppose increasing the millage rate — but why start at the highest target rather than what is the ultimate goal? I believe if you start out asking for more than you know you can afford, you never realize significant savings.