TO THE EDITOR:

Adequately funding services to Chisago County residents is becoming increasingly difficult and the process for setting the county budget and levy should be improved. It is time to implement long range planning, both strategic and financial so there is a sense of direction for the future regarding expenses and revenue.

As a county commissioner, determining the county budget and levy is the most important decision I make because it is paid by your tax dollars! I spent countless hours going over 2008 budget requests submitted by department heads, engaged many of them in conversation about their actual needs and consulted with our County Auditor, Treasurer and Administrator. Hoping to balance the voice of the people with the needs of county departments, while wondering how much taxpayers can actually afford to pay, especially in our tough economic times, led to some very unpopular choices.

Seeing a 19 percent increase in the budget request for 2008 from the Sheriff's department, I proposed an intentionally, dramatic reduction in an attempt to generate discussion by the County Board about current and future funding of law enforcement needs and begin to incorporate long term planning as part of the budget process, but the levy vote was "called" after only minimal discussion leaving important issues unresolved by a 3-2 vote.

It also left law enforcement officers feeling unsupported and unappreciated which is certainly not the case. Chisago County provides for public safety at a very high level, with a price tag of over $7 million for our Sheriff's department and Jail operations alone. This does not include the MICS (technology) support for their systems, other "public safety" items or the vehicle replacements. Do we want to go backwards? Absolutely not! But should we evaluate and question the way we do business? I believe we should.

There are public safety issues on the horizon that could require millions of taxpayer dollars such as the new jail, and changes in the major communication systems, ALERTS and the statewide 800 MegaHertz system. More roads need to be repaired and our new roads need proper maintenance so they do not prematurely deteriorate. The list could go on and on, but as everyone knows we cannot afford to do it all, so difficult choices are in order, meaning some county departments will experience reductions.

Good governance, efficiency and innovation of operations are achieved by asking questions and proposing change. I wish this budget issue could have been taken in that light.

Chisago County Commissioner
Lynn Schultz