Mon
Jun 2 2008
08:45 am
By: Mark Harmon

Budget Hearing is underway. I have several questions to ask. I imagine others do, too. We're going department by department. Air Quality Mgmt. just finished. Next in order: County Clerk, Law Director, Register of Deeds, Property Assessor, Sheriff's Dept, Trustee, Publc Building Authority, Community Development, Engineering and Public Works, Health Department, and then Human Resources. Then a Lunch Break. --Mark Harmon

Mark Harmon's picture

Wave Two of Hearings

Now after the lunch break. Hearing from Health, Human Resources, incoming Law Director Bill Lockett, Library, Parks and Recreation, Probation, Purchasing, and Mayor's Office (incl. Finance and Office of Neighborhoods).

Mark Harmon

Pamela Treacy's picture

Number of Employees

The KNS reported that you asked about the number of employees per 1000 residents as compared to similar markets -- I am curious about that as well. Also, what was the direction given to the department heads when creating the budget? Usually budgets accompany a set of objectives and goals for the coming year. Are those published for citizen view?

I guess I am not convinced that we have tightened our belts and reorganize Knox County Government to get rid of the waste and fat. I had hoped that had happened these last four years, but it doesn't seem like it.

With the possibility of a property tax increase looming, can the commissioners look the citizens in the eye to say that each department is spending money effectively?

Pamela Treacy

Rachel's picture

With the possibility of a

With the possibility of a property tax increase looming, can the commissioners look the citizens in the eye to say that each department is spending money effectively?

Ah, that's the crucial question. Usually most of the discussion is focused simply on how much $$ is spent, or if it is being spent "efficiently."

Rather, the key word is "effectively." That is, how much bang are we getting for our buck.

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