TO THE EDITOR

I'm sure by now all of us are aware that the state of Georgia is anticipating the need to reduce its budget soon because of reduced revenue resulting from serious problems in the economy. The governor and state agencies are planning significant spending reductions in virtually all categories. This is responsible governing, even realizing that the Georgia constitution does not allow government to (except in limited, special circumstances) spend more in a fiscal year than the revenue for that year.

In addition to the state's revenue problem, news articles are beginning to describe the possible effects of decreasing real estate values on tax assessments. If tax assessments go down local governments will be faced with reducing expenditures (which may include some services), increasing revenue (probably higher millage rates), or some combination.

Certainly our local elected officials are very aware of these conditions and circumstances, but we aren't hearing what they are doing in preparation for anticipated reduced trans- fers from the state to the county and for any reduced tax revenues incurred locally. County budgets for this year have apparently been established with no reflection of the currently anticipated reductions in revenue.

There must be things that can be done by incumbent officials in preparation, for example reducing current expenditures, delaying projects, etc. Even with what is know now, some immediate preparations would seem to be in order.

Either incumbent or new county officials, depending on the outcome of the election, presumably will have to deal with whether to decrease budgets and expenditures or increase taxes in the next few months!

Taxpayers are already feeling the effects of the worsening economy on their pocketbooks just as are government units. Hopefully county officials will not simply increase taxes to make up for any revenue shortfall. If increases are absolutely necessary they should be held to a minimum. Reduction in county expenditures should be the first consideration!

JB MATHEWS