Let The Games Begin

Jefferson County now has a balanced budget, as well as a new $2.35 tax rate. While meeting the end of July deadline was important, I am surprised at all of the things that did not get discussed, never mind funded, at Monday’s meeting. I got the distinct impression that some on the Commission simply did not want to delve into providing a real budget.

My guess is that their desire to only skim the surface has more to do with August than any deadline in July. But, hey, that is just a guess. There is no funding for overtime of First Responders, and we have just faced a law suit on that issue. There was no increase for must have items at the Jail or other departments. To say that this budget is bare bones would be kind. It is so bare that a buzzard wouldn’t land for it. Certainly, some of these issues will be addressed with the sitting of the new Commission. Hopefully, they will have more foresight and better calculators-and perhaps under new leadership, questions will be encouraged rather than gaveled down. What can I say? A girl can hope.

Until then, prepare for all the brew ha-ha that comes with an election. Some will win, and shouldn’t and some will lose and shouldn’t and that is the way that the game is played. Sometimes I think that this game of political musical chairs is almost funny. Almost-funny. Almost. Funny. The width of my smile will be determined by the composition of the new Commission this fall. Will it be out with the old and in with the new?? Or the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t? All bets are off. Let the games begin.