Economist Dr. Albert Niemi was quoted in the MDJ on Wednesday as follows: "This is the first time in 40 years that Georgia has underperformed the national economy. ... With the housing market operating at less than half of its former capacity, auto and truck market sales at 30 percent below, the savings rate rising from zero to 5 percent - this suggests that its not going to be a robust recovery."
The combination of the Dr. Niemi article and the recent Gwinnett millage vote compels me to write. Times are tough for many folks and I am worried that things could get rougher for Cobb County. The MDJ has already reported on County budget tightening and our hiring freeze, which began nearly two years ago.
Recently, the commissioners passed a 90 day hold on the parks acquisition, as we wait to see if needed funds materialize as planned.
My intent is not to be "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," but rather a commissioner who is trying to understand the big economic picture and prepare to make well informed budgetary decisions on behalf of the citizens of Cobb County.
Cobb's situation may be masked by continuing projects funded before this global financial mess began. Chief among those is the badly needed work on our roads and bridges from the 2005 SPLOST, which also includes the new jail and courthouse construction. I am thankful that these projects are providing income to our businesses and their employees, but I am concerned that citizens will mistakenly think that these highly visible SPLOST funded projects indicate no strain within our county operating budget.
The county operating budget is limited by the state-imposed cap on our tax digest, though appraisal reductions may be even more important in reducing the funds available to our county government. And things like the recent floods have caused unforeseen and unbudgeted costs.
My purpose here is to bring everyone up to date and solicit ideas from my constituents. We need to look for every possible cost saving in the public realm, and your commissioners will continue to do that. Also, we need to look out for our families, friends and neighbors in our private lives. We need to support our local businesses by shopping in Cobb. Internet revenues soared last weekend as shoppers took advantage of Thanksgiving holiday sales to begin the Christmas season. Enormous amounts of money were spent with little of it going to our local merchants. Remember, shop local!
The Center for Family Resources, MUST Ministries, United Way, religious organizations and civic clubs have stepped up their efforts to assist those in need. We need to be as generous as possible supporting them as they support others.
We will work our way through this with the "can do spirit" that Cobb is known for. We just need everyone's help to do so.
Helen Goreham
West Cobb
Editor's note: Helen Goreham represents northwest Cobb on the Cobb Board of Commissioners.
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What state imposed cap on tax digest is she talking about - rubbish ?
Funny what happens when County management is entrusted to mostly former HOA presidents.
Ms. Goreham's well-known opinions on development, commercial zoning, and business growth precede her writings here. All of these have positions have been instumental in limiting economic opportunity in Cobb. For her to now say WE must contribute to help solve the problem is nearly distasteful.
Oh...and Tom B has it right when it comes to government and politicians.