Trumbull County officials should save for rainy day

While officeholders in Trumbull County may have been high-fiving each other after the county budget commission certified a record $41,187,641 revenue estimate, that money could end up being the root of all government evil if they aren't careful.
So, before commissioners James Tsagaris, Daniel Polivka and Paul Heltzel play Santa Claus -- they were expected to approve the general fund budget today -- they may want to indulge in a little game of "What if?"
"What if" the local economy takes a major hit as a result of Delphi Corp.'s bankruptcy or General Motors Corp.'s reorganization? "What if" state government, which is facing major fiscal challenges, slashes money for local governments even more than it already has done? "What if" the budget commission's estimate falls short due to some unforeseen problem, such as a collapse of the federal economy.
Even though commissioners are scheduled to approve the largest budget in Trumbull County's history today -- $6 million more than was spent in 2005 -- we do believe that Tsagaris, Polivka and Heltzel should make sure there is enough money for a rainy day.
Heltzel, who during budget hearings contended that vacancies in various departments would not necessarily be filled if there were a windfall, has said that the two priorities for the additional $6 million are the development of a capital improvements budget and the creation of a contingency fund, "our savings account." Those are important priorities because money will be spent on preserving or upgrading buildings and equipment and ensuring that county government won't be caught short if there is some catastrophic event.
Building repairs
New computers and radios for the sheriff's department would be purchased, while repairs at buildings that house the board of elections, dog kennel and maintenance department would be undertaken.
Taxpayers certainly could not quarrel with such a shopping list. But, taxpayers who supported the commissioners' decision last year to enact two quarter-percent sales taxes -- bringing the total to 1 percent -- would not take kindly to Tsagaris, Polivka and Heltzel simply giving in to the demands of officeholders whose departments are supported by the general fund.
In 2005, county government ultimately spent $35,164,991 after starting the year with a $32 million budget. That anemic amount triggered layoffs in various department, including the sheriff's. Times were tough, but the commissioners showed a willingness to make difficult decisions. Thus when they enacted the two taxes, one dedicated to the sheriff's department and the other for general operations, residents gave them the benefit of the doubt. They rejected an effort to put the new taxes on the November 2005 ballot for a voter referendum.
The good times are rolling in county government: Jail staffing has been increased, resulting in the opening of a wing in the jail that had been closed for a long time; Sheriff Thomas L. Altiere was given the green light by the commissioners to bring back six deputies from layoff, resulting in the resumption of road patrols in unincorporated areas; and additional deputies and other county workers have been hired or are being considered.
The 911 emergency dispatch service will also be getting a closer look.
But the commissioners must make it clear that they have a responsibility to the taxpayers to be responsible guardians of the public treasury and, therefore, aren't going to go on an irresponsible spending spree.