County’s Budget Hearing Takes 10 Minutes

Commissioners and county staff outnumbered members of the public at Thursday evening’s  special public hearing on the budget, which started at 6:00 p.m. At first it seemed unclear whether anyone would actually speak. It was dramatically different from previous board meetings, when constituents packed the room to lobby for funding.

“Oh, come on – somebody say something,” commissioner Conan Smith cajoled.

So somebody did.

Three teens involved in the county’s 4-H program – Ashley Thomas of Ypsilanti, and Shannon Bater and David Reynhout of Chelsea – came up to the podium and thanked commissioners for supporting 4-H. Five other people attended the public hearing, but didn’t speak.

Thomas thanked commissioners specifically for supporting Act 88, a new tax that would raised about $600,000 for economic development and agriculture-related projects, including $60,000 for 4-H. [The board of commissioners were expected to vote on Act 88 at Wednesday night's meeting, but instead tabled the resolution. See Chronicle coverage "Board Tables Economic Development Tax."]

Bater told commissioners that she learned things in 4-H that she didn’t learn in school. Reynhout said he was grateful for the Michigan State University Extension, which runs the 4-H program in Washtenaw. All three teens are 4-H Ambassadors, a leadership and outreach program.

Several commissioners responded to the speakers, thanking them for coming. Conan Smith said the low turnout reflected how well things had worked out regarding the budget over the past few weeks, saying “That’s actually a good thing.” [Previous Chronicle coverage: "County Moves Ahead on Budget"]

Mark Ouimet said the fact that the teens showed up underscored what a great group is involved in 4-H, and how important the program was to the county. Barbara Bergman told the teens that people don’t usually thank commissioners, and that she appreciated it. “One of the best ways to catch flies is with honey,” she said.

Ken Schwartz said that although the current budget process is winding down – commissioners are expected to vote on the final 2010-2011 budget in November – they’ll have to refocus on budget issues again in 2010, looking ahead as revenues continue to fall.

The public hearing adjourned at around 6:10 p.m.