Comments on: “State of the County” Tackles $20M Deficit

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:57:46 +0000

This focus on commissioner benefits is unseemly grandstanding that does nothing to fix the larger structural problems. We’re talking about a $21 million deficit–commissioner benefits are a drop in the bucket. Symbolic gestures may make good political theater, but they’re no substitute for actual policy ideas. (And god help us if annarbor.com surveys become our political bellwether…geez.)

By: Kristin Judge

Kristin Judge — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:53:30 +0000

@Bob
I agree that number is a concern. Washtenaw County is not the only public entity in that position, but we need to address it. We should start by cutting the fringe benefits of the Commissioners. I will be looking for support to bring back my resolution to cut life-time health care and pensions for the part-time Commissioners. We should lead by example. Health care and pensions are not a cost of doing business for the commissioners like mileage. They are a personal perk that we can no longer afford. I hope the public will let their commissioners know how they feel about this topic. The AnnArbor.com survey was overwhelmingly in favor of this cut.

By: Mark Koroi

Mark Koroi — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:31:08 +0000

No one spoke during public commentary, eh?

I guess Tom Partridge was either ill or out of town on vacation.

By: Bob Martel

Bob Martel — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:01:13 +0000

Unsustainable:

“fringe benefits now equal to about 56% of salaries”

“the county will have to pay a 40% excise tax on its “cadillac” health care plan starting in 2018″

Seems like two good places to start.