Comments on: Priorities Set for Washtenaw County Budget

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 23:26:17 +0000

Fortunately, Washtenaw County, regardless of its funding shortages, is many miles away from anything like a Chapter 9. It is still meeting its obligations. Actually, it may be among the soundest of counties in Michigan. There was a recent story that claimed we have the highest average income in the state.

Frankly, I think the issue is that it is becoming difficult for the commissioners to spend money as freely as they would like. But I’m heartened to see how seriously they are addressing their fiscal house.

Though I still can’t imagine what led them to revert to a defined benefit back in 2008. (Our newest commissioners were not on board and now must cope with the aftermath.)

I agree with the opinion expressed by others, that a millage proposal specifically to address the pension shortfall will not succeed. I think they must first figure out those priorities and must-needs and then convince the voters that some type of revenue is necessary to maintain a well-stated service level.

I’m guessing that assessed values will probably increase next year in the county. Maybe that will help.

By: Herb

Herb — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 23:10:59 +0000

A one sentence summary of this immense quagmire of verbiage would be “county management wants millage increase for retiree benefits”.

The July 27 issue of the Economist has cover article “The Unsteady States of America — Why the pensions nightmare is only just beginning”, mainly about states and Detroit but with analysis that fits Washtenaw county as well. The problems vary in severity from place to place but pretty much all come from the same sources. Politicians get the union vote by promising pensions and retiree medical benefits that they know are beyond the resources of their polities. Managers decline their basic responsibility of defending taxpayer interests, instead opt for barmy accounting and kick the can down the road borrowing. Employees game the system.

After decade of this there are no easy choices left. Brutal service cut backs, large and regressive tax increases, or Chapter 9. My personal feeling is that the last is the least bad.

By: Bob Martel

Bob Martel — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 21:05:42 +0000

To count on a YES vote for new taxes these days is to live in a parallel universe where chocolate is non fattening. Get REAL people!

By: Joseph Vermeylen

Joseph Vermeylen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 17:29:24 +0000

Having fiscal stability first allows for safety nets and other necessities thereafter.

By: Dave Cahill

Dave Cahill — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 14:00:26 +0000

I like the way the Board is handling budget priorities – especially the emphasis on a health and human services community safety net.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 09:41:09 +0000

“Even though the county had eliminated the defined benefit pension plan in 1984 in favor of a defined contribution plan – which by 2007 covered about 80% of county employees – the county in 2007 decided to let all employees buy back into the pension plan. It was a “gift to employees, including Verna McDaniel, at taxpayer expense,” Smith contended. McDaniel is employed by taxpayers, he said, and she is not serving them well. The entire problem with underfunding the retirement plan rests with the board, “and I’m tired of hearing Conan Smith say otherwise”

Unlike Conan Smith, at least one guy is not in denial.

By: Mark Koroi

Mark Koroi — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 05:03:01 +0000

How does one go about getting a “Washtenaw Watchdogs” T-shirt?