Comments on: County Board Moves Ahead on Budget http://annarborchronicle.com/2009/10/10/county-board-moves-ahead-on-budget/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=county-board-moves-ahead-on-budget it's like being there Tue, 16 Sep 2014 04:56:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.2 By: Alice Ralph http://annarborchronicle.com/2009/10/10/county-board-moves-ahead-on-budget/comment-page-1/#comment-31678 Alice Ralph Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:02:12 +0000 http://annarborchronicle.com/?p=29793#comment-31678 A few points on the County’s historic preservation program–
The memo from Mr. VanDerworp to Mr. Guenzel was not prepared with direct input from the HDC nor shared with us, as far as I know. I appreciate the additional transparency provided by the Chronicle.
I can think of four programs, offices or departments that would benefit from the incorporation of the historic preservation program. Expertise, efficiency (savings) and efficacy would be mutual and public benefits.
Most of the County’s locally designated historic districts are rural in character. Land preservation, niche agriculture, natural areas and historic preservation programs are complementary to each other.
Structural budget reform is essential. Like Act 88, two of the Michigan historic preservation laws I highlighted in remarks at last week’s meeting were enacted before Headlee. Although the levy of millages by action of the Board is not viewed as progressive, the small proportional amounts proposed could be the least painful way to at least temporarily bridge funding shortages for public services.
Structural changes are needed to enable economic decisions that more efficiently provide for the public good in governance. Public hearings should be a good step toward identifying those structural changes, alongside of internal negotiations.

]]> By: Gary Salton http://annarborchronicle.com/2009/10/10/county-board-moves-ahead-on-budget/comment-page-1/#comment-31615 Gary Salton Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:56:56 +0000 http://annarborchronicle.com/?p=29793#comment-31615 Nice reporting Mary. It sure is a nasty time to be in government. A lot of people trying to do the “right” thing even though they differ somewhat on just what is “right.”

It seems to me that Mark Ouimet’s idea on setting category priorities and attaching a percentage to them is a worthwhile proposal. It would not only help the Board of Commissioners, it would help concerned citizens. Currently the detail obscures the direction. In reading the article I could see the justification for each of the items being considered for funding. I know that some things are going to have to be cut but I have no idea of RELATIVE merit. Mark’s proposal would give me a kind of reference point that is now lacking.

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