Columbiana County's budget stable with careful spending

The headline in Thursday's Vindicator, which is certainly good news for Columbiana County, could be a double-edged sword: "Strategy to save money pays off." While county commissioners Jim Hoppel, Sean Logan and Gary Williams have reason to be pleased with the outcome of the budget hearings and the first-quarter general fund appropriations, they have to be aware of what such good news could bring.
When voters rejected the 0.5 percent sales tax last month, it was clear the commissioners had failed to persuade taxpayers that the $4 million the tax would generate was essential to the proper governance of the county. It also was evident that residents who believe all government budgets are bloated and that cuts in funding won't affect essential services were able to win over a majority of the voters. More than 62 percent of the voters defeated the tax in the November general election.
"We're in trouble," said Commissioner Williams several days after the election.
Belt-tightening
But while Williams and his colleagues begun exploring options for generating additional revenue -- they settled on placing the tax issue on the May primary ballot -- they also recognized the need for all county agencies and departments to tighten their belts.
And, the commissioners decided that the stakeholders -- the taxpayers -- had a right to voice their concerns and opinions about county government. Thus, there were a series of public hearings at which residents were invited to address the commissioners.
The three-month, $4.1 million spending plan adopted this week is not only a reflection of the current economic realities but is exactly what taxpayers have been demanding -- namely, that officeholders live within their means.
But as we noted in the beginning, the strategy to save money, while paying off, could also pose a challenge to the commissioners as they campaign for passage of the tax in May.
Savings
After all, with $700,000 in unspent money this year and $250,000 in savings in health insurance costs, taxpayers can be expected to ask why county government needs more money.
Commissioners Hoppel, Logan and Williams should be prepared to show how much of a struggle it is for the county to operate without the 0.5 percent sales tax and what services residents would receive with the additional money.