County Considers Cutting Positions to Balance Projected Debt
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: April 13, 2012
The Peoria County Board is looking at ways to cut costs ahead of an anticipated $1.7 million dollar deficit next year.
Despite a weakened economy and late payments from the state, the board says it's always managed to keep the budget in the black.
Now faced with falling into the red next year, members are looking at some major cost cutting options.
The board is considering eliminating its county auditor and recorder of deeds positions.
Some members say if the jobs are consolidated, it could save the county one million dollars over four years.
Board member Andrew Rand says if it gathers enough support from local lawmakers, voters could see issue on the November ballot.
"This is but one example I think the county needs to ask the people whether or not they agree with our suggesting that eliminating these positions could helps save money and we could still run the government without a hiccup," said Rand.
While the option to cut government jobs is still being discussed, the county board says it's confident it will be able to balance the budget by the start of its fiscal year on January first.
The issue will continue to be discussed at county board meetings.
Members must vote to place the question on the November ballot by August 31st.
Despite a weakened economy and late payments from the state, the board says it's always managed to keep the budget in the black.
Now faced with falling into the red next year, members are looking at some major cost cutting options.
The board is considering eliminating its county auditor and recorder of deeds positions.
Some members say if the jobs are consolidated, it could save the county one million dollars over four years.
Board member Andrew Rand says if it gathers enough support from local lawmakers, voters could see issue on the November ballot.
"This is but one example I think the county needs to ask the people whether or not they agree with our suggesting that eliminating these positions could helps save money and we could still run the government without a hiccup," said Rand.
While the option to cut government jobs is still being discussed, the county board says it's confident it will be able to balance the budget by the start of its fiscal year on January first.
The issue will continue to be discussed at county board meetings.
Members must vote to place the question on the November ballot by August 31st.
