Our 2013 budget revenue is on track with our projections. We will also once again underspend in expenses.
Now, with that said , we are seeing a recent weakening is economic activity and a down tick in employment. As pointed out in our public presentation , there are conflicting indicators.
Our budget philosophy is to , as best we can , balance recurring revenue with recurring expenses and utilize unanticipated revenue for one time capital investments in our infrastructure. And to maintain a strong fund balance so that we are prepared for possible negative impacts of sequestration or further economic weakening.
I encourage the public to attend upcoming budget hearings and to express their opinions . A vigorous debate grounded in facts is critical to County leadership making informed and sound decisions as we continue to navigate a very challenging environment
Wayne Strausburg
19 comments:
Wayne:
Every year we say cut taxes and spending permanently, but it doesn't happen unless the tax cap makes it happen, and now that is not happening anymore thanks to Rick Pollitt. He pushed for BMS -- a disaster in the making, among other things.
And why does the County need a public info person?
First of all I want to commend Mr. Strausburg for stepping up to the plate and defending the County's position.
Wouldn't it be nice if ALL Department Heads were able to publicly defend their position on different matters and encourage healthy debate.
I'm talking about the Board of Education, the City of Salisbury and County Department Heads, SPD, WCSO and others.
Instead, 99.9% of the time there's NO representation in the hopes we'll just go away. Others tend to think that there are not enough people coming to this Blog to make a difference, they're wrong. I have proven that fact time and time again. Any time a Department Head comes to my Office one of the first things I do is pull up the hits we get each and every day, monthly stats, yearly average, and overall history. I've shown City and County Council Members as well as well as every one of our local media companies.
Here's where it gets confusing though. How an election such as the one we just went through could deliver the results that it did, it's no wonder most people feel it was fixed. To walk around with an I don't care attitude from our elected officials and still get elected seems to be well beyond the public's belief.
Nevertheless, it is what it is and this seems to be the norm for the United States any more.
Again, my hat is tipped to Mr. Strausburg for expressing his position on this matter and again I just wish others would do the same. Heck, most departments any more won't even answer their phone and just say to others, well, what they said just isn't true. Guess what, it is true and the ones telling you it's not are liars and we continue to prove of such each and every time.
Remember, I was the one who exposed 8 years ago that the WWTP wouldn't work. Well?????? How's it working for you Folks. I could go on and on and on.
Yeah just like LIARTON lets his department heads speak.
Joe, if you would like a department head do sit down with you, you will need to go through the executive office and the PIO. All questions that come from the media, or blogs, must go through the PIO. It isn't some conspiracy because anyone hopes you "go away", it is simply the policy, and one that I am sure nobody would like to lose their job for violating. The policy makes sense.
anonymous 3:11, the policy only makes sense to those who have something to hide. Mr. Strausburg was able to send in information without my having to do so and isn't afraid of any recourse because he's a professional that knows what he's doing and talking about.
Shouldn't ALL Department Heads be respected as the same and if they cannot respond with proper answers, shouldn't they be looking for jobs elsewhere?
All you liberals want is BIGGER government. You just keep adding jobs and costing taxpayers. One day, (and it won't be long) the citizens will revolt.
3:11 PM
Why don't you answer Joe's comment at 3:16 PM?
The Board of Ed. has its own public relations person at a higher salary than a teacher makes. Why can't the supt. and the others at the central office answer questions and issue statements? As for publicity of events in the schools, those are written by school personnel. This position could be made contractual or half-time as it used to be.
anonymous 5:01, If you saw how rare it is that this person actually puts out public information you'd say they should only work one day a week, if that.
Not only does she put things out there on a rare occasion, she usually only puts it out there hours before the event is about to take place. She is/was tied with the Daily Times through marriage.
Heck, even when they have school delays or closings they make sure the rest of the media gets the information BEFORE they put it on their Website.
If the BOE was a private business who had to answer to someone, that person would be fired immediately.
How bad does it have to get before we spend some of our reserves? Don't have to drain the account but this is our money so use it for services and our kids.
5:05 Joe
You are so right. The board of ed. is talking about cutting teachers. No mention of endless coordinators, helpers, etc., being cut. Some have jobs that are so miniscule they could be done in two hours a day, if that. Absolutely zero accountability as they stick their work on school based folks who are busy with kids, teachers and parents. If they have money to rent the civic center for that enrollment mess that went on for five days last week, they don't need more funding.
5:48. $175 million isn't enough " for the kids "
Get a clue and look at the growth in BOE administrative expenses in light if falling enrollment
Caroline spends far less per sabasu@sagepolicy.comtudent and scores far higher on student achievement testing.
Wayne is a good person and tries to do what is best for the citizens of Wicomico County.
5:48
Apparently you didn't look at the BOEs budget online. Not even near 175 million. The fact is that my kids get $2700 each from the county for per pupil spending which is next to last in the state. What a joke. Oh, and I am not employees by the BOE. Just want what is fair.
What's Wayne's Salary?
Wayne is in a better position to know about the status of the county than all these commenters who think they know. And Joe, "most people" do not think the election was fixed. Most people did not vote, and those that did, chose Ireton over you. Simple as that. Time to move on.
Wayne's salary is $120.000 a year
6:51 AM
When you add the amount of state and federal coming into the county for at risk students, and look at the declining scores for the minority students most of that money is spent on, it is a disappointing situation. Average and above average achievers have almost no local funds spent on them as we try to bring up those who are doing incredibly poorly. The achievement of the ones who get all the personnel and resources is going downhill. Our own results show more money is not the solution.
Anon 7:25 a.m. Ditto
Wayne is also one of the people that are ok with with municipal residents being taxed twice for redundant services - even after it was proven by a third party study. Other, more honorable, counties actually give their municipal residents a break via the tax differential. Wicomico County is content to unethically collect these funds.
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