Public Input Budget Forums Underway

(l-r) Assistant County Administrator Brad Merrimann, Financial Management & Buget Director Liz Bloeser and Budget Director Joe Doucette

County officials held the first of five informational budget forums on January 14 at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center in Belle Glade. The discussion series is intended to help residents better understand how County tax dollars are collected and spent and offer input on what programs and services are important to them.

Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman gave a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation outlining how property taxes are collected and distributed to various departments and services. He then opened the floor to questions, which he and County Administrator Bob Weisman fielded.

Several attendees also filled out a County Services Planning Survey, which can be done in person or online.

About two dozen Glades-area residents attended. County Administrator Bob Weisman responds to a question about nonprofit cultural funding. Pahokee resident Nick Larsen completes an online survey.

Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman provides an overview of how tax dollars are distributed. James McNeill urges County officials not to cut Cooperative Extension Service funding. Pahokee Mayor J.P. Sasser wants to see funding restored for a new West-County animal shelter.