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NewsCommissioners, Residents Clash Over County Budget CutsSeptember 7, 2007WPBF - Palm Beach, FL PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. -- Palm Beach city and county budgets are on the chopping block, and county commissioners are getting an earful from citizens who are concerned about what's getting cut. At a meeting Thursday, the budget advisory committee recommended a $35 million cut from the $4.1 billion budget. Officials said they have two criteria for the cuts: Is the service essential, and is there an alternative service provider? One suggestion was to cut $10 million from economic development such as tourism programs and $19 million from children's services. That proposal did not sit well with some commissioners and residents. "For every dollar you put in, you save $65 later, and this is just an investment in kids so these kids don't end up in juvenile justice," said Palm Beach County commissioner Jeff Koons. "Don't cut the kids' services. We can cut some of the buildings. We don't need the fancy spancy stuff," said resident Alexandra Larson. Commissioners Karen Marcus and newly appointed commissioner Bob Kanjian gave back $200,000 each from their district slush funds. But other commissioners said that money is essential to their constituents. "The Glades has been neglected, and I feel this $200,000 is their money, and at this point in time I am not willing to give it up. I'm willing to give up my $92,000 salary because that's my salary," said Palm Beach County commissioner Jess Santamaria. "We're in a lot of pain, financial pain, and what we want to see is meaningful and serious tax cuts," said resident Carlos Iniguez. Commissioners will hold another required public hearing on Sept. 21 before final approval. |
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