TO THE EDITOR

With all the difficulties in our economy, there seems to be a growing consensus that now is not a good time to be raising taxes. Shortfalls in government tax revenue should be addressed in other ways. The Georgia Legislature re-convenes this week, so I'm sure we will be hearing lots more about taxes, budgets, and right-sizing government during the next several weeks.

Those who follow state and metro news in the AJC are familiar with the situation. The State has already cut this years budget by about 8%, and there are indications that next year's cut may be 10-15%. All tax sources are moving down. Some of the reductions at the state level will directly affect counties, for example property tax grants estimated at $200 - $300 per household on average, and significant reductions in state funding for public education. Atlanta metro counties and school systems are already making cutbacks as a result of these anticipated and expected revenue reductions. Citizens are being informed through the media, hearings, etc., and generally are given a chance to make input.

Clearly Lincoln County is and will be further adversely affected by the general economic factors as well as reduced transfers from the state, but I don't think we are yet being informed or given a chance to make input on decisions. Our newly organized County Commission hasn't had time to remedy this in relation to county government, but hopefully that will begin to occur soon. The Commission has, however, begun to take serious action in this area, for example:

Two lawn care contracts have been eliminated, saving approximately $72,000/year. The work will be done with existing personnel.

The Planning and Zoning Department and the Roads Department were combined, leading to more efficient management staffing.

Strong effort will continue in looking for duplication of function or service.

Travel and outside training were eliminated for county personnel, except where required to maintain certification and licensing.

Canceled duplicate audits, resulting in significant savings.

I don't believe the BOE has accomplished this open communication and input process either, in the context of recent economic and tax revenue developments. Hopefully this will also begin soon. Are budget and expenditure cuts in process or anticipated by the Lincoln County School System?

I agree with a recent statement of Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, "The time is not for raising taxes; the time is for right-sizing (state) government."

JB MATHEWS