2008 Budget Changes May Aid Immigration Issue

On Wed., Jan 2^nd the Board of Commissioners will adopt the Budget for 2008.

The Budget will once again be almost $1.6 Billion. The budget is the responsibility of the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. However, in recent years, it has been common for Commissioners to make adjustments to the budget once presented by the Chairman. I anticipate that this year will be no different.

The Gwinnett County budget is larger than that of many states. It causes myself and other commissioners great concern when we are presented with three deficit spending budgets in a row. Unlike the Federal government, counties must maintain balanced budgets. Last year the Chairman’s Budget requested $21 million in deficit spending; this year the request is $37 million. True, the commissioners could vote against such budgets, but to do so would jeopardize county operations and be a disservice to Gwinnett's citizens, and possibly irreparably harm the county’s bond rating. Instead, the commissioners have chosen to make changes to the Chairman’s budget once it is released that diminish the fiscal impact of the deficit spending. While these reductions are not as much as some of us would like, they do represent a consensus that has been agreed to by all the District Commissioners. Without these changes, significant additional deficit spending would have occurred. As it stands today, the budget analysts are predicting a significant tax increase will be required in 2009 to balance the budget.

On balance, the changes requested to the 2008 by the District Commissioners will result in almost $5 million in savings compared to the budget presented by Chairman Bannister.

The highlight of the reductions to the 2008 Chairman’s Budget include the reduction of spending on capital projects, a smaller increase to the subsidy to the library and updating personnel needs at fire stations to reflect construction delays.

One increase to the Chairman’s budget that was very important to the District Commissioners was the equalization of the salaries, or pay parity, of the Sheriff’s department with that of the Police Department. The Sheriff currently has over 90 vacancies, due in large part, to the inability to attract applicants due to the low salary of the department.

The District Commissioners fully understand the ramifications that this high vacancy rate has had on the Sheriff’s department and the citizens of this county. Warrants are not being served, hence criminals stay on the street longer. Evictions are delayed leading to problems for owners and neighbors alike; fugitives are less likely to be apprehended with fewer feet on the street, etc. But, most importantly, the inability to fully staff the Sheriff’s department has prevented Sheriff Conway from even evaluating the 287g program. This program, implemented in Cobb County last year, is often cited as a significant ally in the illegal immigration fight. But, it takes manpower away from other constitutionally required services the Sheriff must provide. Since the department already has a 20% vacancy rate, further depletion of manpower is just not possible. This program may be a strong tool available to our local government in the fight against illegal immigration – and it specifically targets the worst offenders – those who have committed crimes while they are here.

Chairman Bannister, in recent meetings with Sheriff Conway, continues to remain adamantly opposed to this pay change. However, if Gwinnett County is going to spend money on anything it must be our police, sheriff, courts and fire personnel. These areas are the backbone of a successful community and we must do everything possible to support them.

My personal feeling is that it doesn’t matter if your uniform is blue or brown; if you are willing to strap on a gun and potentially give your life to defend the citizens of Gwinnett County, you should be paid equally.

On a personal note, let me say that I continue to be amazed at the goodwill from fellow Gwinnettians at this time of year. It is a pleasure to serve you. I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy New Year!

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