The Lowndes County Commission is holding its annual planning retreat this weekend at the 4-H Camp in Lake Park.
Officials are stating that projected decreases in revenue will cause a massive budget shortfall, in the area of $2 million county-wide. With the anticipated cuts in funding from state and federal sources, the county will be handicapped in its ability to continue funding at current service levels to citizens.
The county funds the sheriff’s department, the jail, the court system, the public defender’s office, the library system, animal control and much more. The county has numerous mandated expenditures that are set by legislators that cannot be changed.
The county has been running a relatively lean government for several years, leaving positions unfilled for long periods, but cannot continue to operate in that manner indefinitely.
Last year, most all departments got cut, many severely, in the county’s budget, and there is no reason to expect things will be different this year.
So what’s left to be cut? Good question. Good luck to the chairman, county manager and commissioners as they try to figure it out this weekend.
What We Think
What We Think: Retreating in Lowndes County
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Books: A part of summer adventures
