Wake leaders talk taxes to balance budget

Raleigh, N.C. — Raising taxes to counteract falling revenue and cover a budget shortfall will be an option on the table during the Wake County commissioners' annual retreat this weekend.

When they gather, at the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, the Board of Commissioners will discuss how to deal with a projected $23 million deficit for this fiscal year and a smaller budget for the following year that begins July 1.

Originally, county officials and commissioners said that raising taxes wasn't likely, given the economic crisis.

However, Commissioner Tony Gurley said the way the board is reacting to this fiscal crisis, there might be no choice but to raise taxes. Gurley said commissioners will discuss that and other options at the weekend retreat.

Earlier forecasts predicted a $17 million shortfall in the 2008-2009 budget of $984 million, but officials announced on Monday that had grown.

Since November, county departments have cut their budgets by 4 percent and started to prepare for possible cuts of 10 percent in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

The county has projected a budget $965 million for 2009-2010.

In other cost-cutting measures, the county implemented a hiring freeze, leaving 149 positions vacant. The Wake County School system, Wake Technical Community College and other programs returned a combined $6 million that they had been allocated.

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Latest Comments

In the proposed budget changes, it shows the Sheriff's Office getting rid of almost 100 deputies......I can't see how that would be good for the county.

I also didnt' see schools listed anywhere in the budget changes even though they account for almost 75% of county spending....

wcnc
January 30, 2009 7:40 p.m.

Next thing they will do is try to get the County workers to work harder because they feel they are lazy.

Just like Jim Black said about State Employees a few years ago, before he got caught and sent to jail.

james27613
January 30, 2009 6:28 p.m.

The county can save money by stopping travel that is not needed.

The State can save Millions by not purchasing NEW cars every few years, except for Trooper and EMS, etc.

We have RDU airport with Hertz, Avis, etc. why not cut a deal with the rental car companies to purchase the ten month old cars that go to the auction in Statesville, NC ?

A one year young car will run just as well and safe as a brand new car, plus these cars are in great shape.

james27613
January 30, 2009 6:27 p.m.

I think tmedlin could do the job.