County manager vows to keep budget in check

The Lee County manager told commissioners Monday that he would do everything in his power to keep the budget from increasing beyond 12 percent this year.

Despite the county's unprecedented growth and an estimated 37.6 percent increase in taxable property values for 2006-07, Don Stilwell said county commissioners should be able to cut property taxes this year.

In order to keep budget increases from getting out of control, members of the county's staff will have to maximize their potential, Stilwell said.

"Good management doesn't mean that you go out and hire more employees," he said. "We have to explore all other options before that."

Stilwell said all agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff's Office, will have to do their part to meet the goal.

Sheriff Mike Scott is asking commissioners for a 13.5 percent increase for fiscal 2006-07.

The sheriff's budget has increased 92 percent over the past five years and now eats up almost half of the county's general budget, Stilwell said.

"If that keeps going over the next five years, we're going to have some problems," he said.

Stilwell said he will work hard to keep personnel costs in check.

"We will challenge other departments to show us you're doing everything you can with what you have before you ask for more people," he said. "People are very expensive."

Commissioners have decreased the county's property taxes three times in the past six years.

Meanwhile, demands for additional facilities and services rapidly increases with the population.

For example, during the past five years Emergency Medical Services funding has increased 65 percent and the square footage of county-owned facilities has doubled.

Commissioners said they want more information about essential services that the county provides before they discuss reducing the millage rate.

"To put the whole picture in perspective, it would be nice if you elaborate on essential services that we have to provide," Judah said. "I would like to have that before any statements are made about rollback and millage reduction."