Q: This was your seventh budget as Kent County Commissioner, what was different about it?
A: In the past the revenues had always exceeded the projected surplus. This year that surplus was significantly less than what was projected. And we have used the excess to buy down debt or invest in capital projects, which we weren’t able to do this year. Also, the state reduced their funding in different areas, which the budget had to be adjusted for.
Q: Everybody is saying next year’s budget will be even tougher. Why?
A: State funding, like federal funding, is like a narcotic. When’s it’s withdrawn or reduced, you have to make adjustments. The state funding has been reduced every year, which means the county has to reallocate funds to cover those services if they are to be continued. The state has also considered transferring the cost of the teacher retirement plan to each individual county. And it seems pretty clear that they will not transfer the funds to cover those costs, if it happens.
Q: How do you feel about raising the tax rate next year to balance the county’s budget if there’s a revenue short fall?
A: I am opposed to raising the tax rate or fees to cover any revenue short fall. The aggregate revenue may rise because the tax base may rise, but the citizens should expect their county officials to work within a budget just like they do. Prioritize expenses and reduce where necessary. We do not have the pleasure of having the availability of deficit spending.
Q: How do you see the state balancing its budget next year?
A: Transferring various costs like the teachers retirement costs and reducing other funding to counties like road funds and direct school aid. While next year’s budget may be the toughest for the county, I believe the 2012 budget will be the toughest from the state’s standpoint.
Q: If the county got an unrestricted one-time grant of one million dollars now, where would you spend it?
A: Pay down debt. Debt is an anchor on anything the county does. The less debt, the more money we have for operations.
Q: What parts of the county commissioner job do you like the best?
A: Helping people; solving citizens’ problems. The buck stops here. Local government affects the citizens every day. I like public service and this is just a continuation of my Coast Guard days.
Q: What parts do you like the least?
A: Personnel. It’s complex and personal as
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