Waldo County Proposes 17% Budget Increase After Public Backlash

Waldo County commissioners have revised their budget proposal for 2026, reducing the initial request from a staggering 36% increase to a more manageable 17%. The new draft, released on January 26, 2024, would bring the county’s annual budget to just under $15 million, a decrease of approximately $2.4 million compared to the initial proposal.

The original budget plan, which sparked significant public dissent when unveiled in December, faced overwhelming opposition during a packed meeting on December 12, 2023. Over 30 residents voiced their concerns, expressing doubts about the feasibility of such a steep increase. “I didn’t hear one person say, ‘Oh yeah, I’m for the budget,’” said Bob Kurek, chair of the budget committee. “There’s no way in hell that we’re going to be able to afford that.”

The revised budget will be discussed at the next Waldo County Budget Committee meeting, scheduled for January 27, 2024, at the Probate Court in Belfast. Kurek remains skeptical about the adequacy of the cuts made in the proposed budget, suggesting that more drastic measures may be necessary. “On one hand, you don’t want to be the one that says, ‘Okay, we’re going to defund the police,’” Kurek explained, acknowledging the significant expenditures associated with law enforcement.

In the new budget plan, reductions primarily stem from cuts in certain employee benefits and a decision to leave some vacant positions unfilled. However, many county employees are unionized, which means their wage increases and benefits were established through collective bargaining agreements and cannot be altered without negotiations.

The budget committee’s decision-making process has been complicated by the need for financial audits. Kurek previously stated that the committee would not vote on any budget proposal until the audits for 2022, 2023, and 2024 were completed. He later indicated a potential for flexibility regarding this requirement, saying, “We told them we want the audits before we sign off, but whether we hold to that is the question.”

Commissioner Kevin Kelley mentioned last week that the county has received a draft of the 2022 audit. The 2023 audit, which is of particular concern due to the involvement of multiple finance directors and varying accounting practices, has been delayed as the responsible individual is currently on family leave.

As the budget committee prepares for the upcoming meeting, the dynamics of local governance and the implications of financial planning remain in the spotlight. The outcome of this revised budget proposal will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders alike, as they seek a balance between necessary services and fiscal responsibility.