The county commission is currently engaged in its most significant responsibility -- setting the budget. It’s up to them to determine the level of services for the coming year and to determine the tax rate, which determines the amount of money available for those services.

It’s not an easy job.

One the one hand is the need and desire for services and enhancement of quality of life. On the other hand is the desire to avoid an undue burden on property owners. This year, the process is complicated by the fact it’s an appraisal year, which brings a certified tax rate established by the state to provide the same amount of revenue as last year. The commission can increase that rate but it must first hold a public hearing to justify the need.

The process so far has revolved around cutting the budget proposals to try to reach the level of revenue available with the certified tax rate, but it’s been difficult. Counties, like individuals, are affected by increased costs. In addition to covering basic services, there are repair needs at the Courthouse that can’t be ignored and the desire to provide pay raises for county employees.

Citizens need to pay attention to what’s happening, and they need to provide input. It’s easy to say “Don’t raise taxes,” but not so easy to make enough cuts to make that possible. It’s easy to say there is waste in local offices but not so easy to back up that assumption.

Taxpayers need to share their thoughts, but they also need to be informed.