Benzie County budget cuts raise questions
BENZIE COUNTY -- Like many other counties in Northern Michigan most departments in Benzie County are preparing for massive budget cuts. In the midst of these budget issues, the county has decided to move forward with construction plans that aren’t sitting well with some city leaders.
Benzie County is preparing to cut $600,000 from the 2010-2011 budget. If it’s voted though, several county employees will be laid or have their hours cut.
Benzie County Commissioner, Tom Kelley says, “That was tough to do, but we have to maintain a balanced budget. It is the law to have a balanced budget and we will do that."
More than $300,000 is expected to come from the sheriff’s office. If the budget passes the sheriff would have to cut a road patrol deputy and two part-time corrections officers. A full time corrections officer that left would not be replaced.
Undersheriff Bill Sholten says, “The sheriff and I understand that we’re the largest department in the county budget, and we are team players. We really want to help best we can. We just want it to be proportional. Right now I’m not confident it’s been done proportionally.”
While the sheriff’s office is taking the brunt of cuts, the prosecutor’s office, Michigan State University extension office, and county controller’s office could also see major changes. While leaders in Benzie County tell 7&4 News that they understand the funding challenges facing the commissioners, they are questioning why commissioners decided to move forward with plans to build new commissioners chambers.
Undersheriff Sholten says, “Employees feel like it’s a bit of a mixed message. Some employees in their office won’t have a job in October, but they started construction on a new project.”
Money for the $153,000 project is being borrowed from the county’s tax delinquent fund. County Treasurer Linda Wilson says the reason they started construction is because the current chambers are too crowded. She says the county plans to pay back the loan in 20 years.
The budget is due in October.
