During a recent government meeting, community members and officials discussed the county's proposed budget, which has significantly increased from $250 million to $1 billion over the years. Resident John Horvath emphasized the need for maintenance and upgrades to local parks and recreation facilities, noting that these areas have seen increased usage since the COVID-19 pandemic. He also raised concerns about the aging water and sewer systems, advocating for necessary repairs and improvements.

Horvath highlighted the importance of establishing a local medical examiner's office, suggesting that the county's population of nearly half a million warrants such a facility to better serve residents during difficult times. He urged officials to prioritize infrastructure maintenance, including fire department resources, to ensure public safety and efficient service delivery.

In addition to public comments, the meeting included a written statement from Cathy Moore regarding the county's street lighting and solid waste funds. She noted the proposed budget includes $175,000 for street lighting and $2.5 million for solid waste, while expressing concerns about the adequacy of assessments to cover rising utility costs.

The commissioners discussed the budget further, confirming that the proposed figure of $1.095 billion does not yet include an additional $4 million requested for various projects. A motion to adopt the tentative budget was unanimously approved, with a second public hearing scheduled for September 24, 2024, to finalize the county's financial plan.