County Board Sets Budget Meetings

As part of an ongoing process to develop the 2014 budget, the Washtenaw County board of commissioners has scheduled a series of meetings focused on specific budget priorities. The meetings are:

  • Talent priority: Monday, Aug. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the lower level conference room at the county administration building, 200 N. Main in Ann Arbor. The group is led by Conan Smith (D-District 9).
  • Civic infrastructure priority: Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the downstairs board meeting room at 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. The group is led by Kent Martinez-Kratz (D-District 1).
  • Economic development priority: Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 3-5 p.m. in the lower level conference room at the county administration building, 200 N. Main in Ann Arbor. The group is led by Andy LaBarre (D-District 7).
  • Human services priority: Friday, Aug. 23 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the lower level conference room at the county administration building, 200 N. Main in Ann Arbor. The group is led by Felicia Brabec (D-District 4). A second meeting for this group is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 6 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the county’s Learning Resource Center (LRC) Room B, 4135 Washtenaw Ave.
  • Environmental impact priority: Friday, Aug. 23 from 4-6 p.m. in the downstairs board meeting room at 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. The group is led by Yousef Rabhi (D-District 8). A second meeting of this group is set for Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 4-6 p.m. at the same location.

At a special meeting on July 24, 2013, the board adopted a set of budget priorities to guide the administration as it works to develop the next budget, which must be approved by commissioners before the end of 2013. Those priorities, listed in order of importance, are: (1) ensure a community safety net through health and human services; (2) increase economic opportunity and workforce development; (3) ensure mobility and civic infrastructure for Washtenaw County residents; and (4) reduce environmental impact. [.pdf of budget priorities resolution] [.pdf of budget priorities memo and supporting materials]

County administrator Verna McDaniel is expected to present a budget for 2014-2017 at the board’s Oct. 2 meeting. For additional recent budget-related coverage, see: “County Eyes Slate of Revenue Options.”