Why can Blue Earth County just cut costly programs or services to reduce their budgets?
Over 70 percent of what counties do is driven by state and federal mandates, most of which are already under funded. Many of these mandates are in human services, which comprises one-third of the county’s budget. Counties were established as local governments that also serve as administrative arms of the state. Counties are required by law to deliver both local services and many state/federally mandated services. The loss of state funding will require county boards to consider reducing non-mandated services or raising the local property tax. Raising property taxes is county commissioners least preferred option for solving the state budget deficit. Whenever possible, Blue Earth County will focus on, not what should be cut, but instead the county’s core services (What should be saved?). The County knows it must protect children and ensure their health and safety. The County also has a responsibility to take care of vulnerable adults, lock up the people who present a danger to the communi
Related Questions
- What happens if the population increases and there is a need to increase government budgets to provide programs and services taxpayers need and/or want?
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- Why can Blue Earth County just cut costly programs or services to reduce their budgets?
