Could there be a Budget Breakthrough Coming?

There is a potential budget breakthrough coming this year, stay tuned for more details....

As I have said all along, I won't support raises for one group ahead of others, regardless of what I am called and regardless of how I am attacked personally for this stance.

I've done public budgets before--this is my 11th year doing them--and nobody gets 100% of what they want ever--that is just the nature of the beast.  If everyone gets everything they demand then nobody will operate in a fiscally responsible manner because people always want more.  This is an axiom of truth ringing especially true in the public sector.  I have said I support all first responders and I value what they all do for us to keep us safe.  I can't imagine that this is not a universal feeling shared by our entire community and nation---especially as we witness the heroism in the face of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

But should we play favorites though?  Is one "group" more important than others? Should one "group" get pay raises when others do not?  I think if we start playing favorites this will lead to big problems and that's why we need to be balanced in our approach to giving pay increases if the budget allows.

Because If you are dying on a highway after a massive traffic collision, believe me the EMTs and paramedics are the most important public servants in your world at that moment.

When your house is on fire--the most important public employee to you is the firefighter who is rescuing your family, your pets, and trying to save your house.

When you have a massive, ongoing, and significant drainage problem threatening your house( as many in District 1 do currently)--County Engineering is the most important group to you.

If you're poor and you get hit with a big legal issue--the public defender, probation officer, and the judge are the priority.

And yes, when a prowler is breaking down your back door in the middle of the night--the police who respond to save you and catch the bad guys are the most important people in your world.

So who is the most important public employee?  Attempting to define this is a fool's errand that  I won't  run.

So it is with great relief and with a measure of optimism I report that, without raising year over year property tax millage rates on existing property owners, there may be a significant breakthrough coming that will benefit all employees this year.  

It is a possibility and it is because folks have been working diligently behind the scenes despite the negative attacks, despite vocally prolific  naysayers that remain unaware of the work taking place behind the scenes in county staff offices.  People are working, people are trying to do the best they can despite some community elements publicly proclaiming they "have no confidence" in the BCC.

All I'll say at this point is stay tuned Friday.  Look for more details to be unveiled.