County Budget Committee Meets

They will discuss the recently approved school system budget.

This is a budget that could result in the layoffs of up to 17 teachers by the end of this month.  It could also result in significant cuts to Adult Education, eliminating $400,000 from a budget just under $750,000.  That would mean additional layoffs to current employees of the Adult Ed. program. 

This is the final committee step before the full County Commission takes its probably last action on the school system's budget for this year.  That will come next week (Sept. 17th) when the Commission meets to approve or reject the Budget Committee's recommendation. 

It is possible that someone who voted against one of several earlier proposals to fund schools (a small tax increase, using reserves) could initiate discussion on the issue again by way of offering to change their vote.  That would re-open the issue for debate and a possible vote.  Failing that action, the Commission will likely pass the budget and the Board will proceed with programmatic and staff cuts. 

Of course, September 17th is well past the July 1st beginning of the fiscal year for the schools and county.  They've been operating on a continuation budget since then because they couldn't do their business in a more timely fashion. 

And, barring new revenue or more responsible action on the part of the County Commission, there will be further cuts next year as the school system keeps on growing and will most certainly require additional monies to operate.