Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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That’s the advice a local government watchdog gave county commissioners on Monday.
Bill Foust had nothing but praise for the county staff in coming up with the no-tax increase $78.3 million budget that was approved Monday. He said he had studied that budget thoroughly and is convinced the county is doing a good job.
He didn’t have that same praise for the Davie County Board of Education’s budget.
“You were good stewards of our dollars,” Foust told county commissioners. “The revenue stream is excellent and projected expenses reasonable. You were fair to the taxpayers.”
But ....
“Save every dollar you possibly can this year. I truly believe the school board is going to need some help. I think they will be coming to you for help ... and to the taxpayers,” Foust said.
The public hearing on the county budget brought nothing but positive comments from residents, even Sheriff Andy Stokes, who has been in countless meetings with county staff trying to get funds to bring the department up to par.
The budget gives the sheriff’s department $700,000 more than last year. Stokes had asked for $1.2 million more.
“I’ve gained new respect for what you do,” Stokes said. “My job is simple, yours is not. You must ... subscribe to the Davie County Enterprise Record, P.O. Box 99, Mocksville, N.C. 27028.