Jackson County Manager Ken Westmoreland presented the commissiners with a balanced budget proposal. It cut no staff. It cut no services. It complied with all state requirements. This year as last, Westmoreland bucked the budget crisis trend experienced by most local governments in the state.
To date, the county’s expenditures are 11% underbudget. Revenues are down only 1.6%.
Most controversially and perhaps most heroically, Westmoreland responded to School Superintendent Sue Nations’ request for an extra $350,000 with only $18,000. The increase would buffer a possible $1 million loss should the governor follow through with a proposed revocation of education funds.
