The economy took a downturn in 2008 and the county's budget problems were magnified. The most telling indicator is the cash balance. In August 2005 the county had $4.1M cash on hand. Compare this to August 2009 balance of $1.7M. The Treasurer has repeatedly advised the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) that she needs to have between $2.5 and $3.5M on hand to pay monthly bills. As early as April 2007 the Treasurer asked the BOCC to make a course correction and stop spending so much money. Commissioner Ring Erickson said that they were "spending with their eyes wide open".
The BOCC has not been listening to the Treasurer who has to pay the bills each month. So that means that we must stay informed and involved in the budget process.
My mother always told me that even the King had to check to make sure his horses got fed. Likewise here in Mason County we need to check on the county commissioners who hold the power of the purse.
