Proposal to reverse Wake budget cuts short-lived

A proposal that would reverse potential cuts in the Wake County budget was briefly before county commissioners Monday before being rescinded because of concerns that it was too difficult to make work.

Commissioner Stan Norwalk put forth a motion to amend the county's proposed budget to “preserve the quality of life in Wake County" by adding $28.5 million in funds.

But some commissioners said Monday there is no way to come up with the money without raising taxes – something the board has been adamant about not doing.

The proposal would have added $5.6 million to the human services budget, $2.7 million to the Wake County Public School System to preserve teacher jobs and $212,000 to keep Athens Drive Library open.

Norwalk also wanted to establish a temporary reserve of $20 million to deal with the uncertainties of the state budget, which hasn't been finalized.

The board, however, was only able to come up with $700,000 in cuts from capital projects.

"I think people recognize this is not the year to be raising taxes or spending funds that you don't have available," Commissioner Joe Bryan said. "That's exactly what's been proposed here today. It's a smoke and mirrors game, where we're proposing $28.5 million we don't have."