Polk County commissioners heard opinions for and against the county’s proposed budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year during a public hearing held Monday, June 13.

Although more than 50 people attended the meeting, only seven residents spoke. Some residents said a tax decrease proposed by commissioner Tom Pack is significant and urged commissioners to adopt Pack’s budget, while other speakers said commissioners should stay on their current track and keep the county in the black.

Keith Holbert asked what commissioners’ definition of fiscal responsibility is, asking if it means reducing debt, eliminating debt, keeping unemployment and inflation under control or balancing the budget, among other definitions. He said $10 per taxpayer may be described as insignificant when speaking of a tax cut, but taxes are typically raised in small increments. Holbert said he plans to look into the county’s budget and publish items through the media to keep residents aware.

Debbie Arceneaux said she finds it astonishing that some think $10 per citizen is nothing. Pack’s tax decrease would have meant a tax decrease of a little more than $11 per year on a $100,000 home. Arceneaux said $10 for some might buy a nice meal, while it might enable some citizens to afford milk or make a difference in a utility bill.

“We need to take control of what we have now and stop the ridiculous spending we are doing in Polk County,” said Arceneaux.

Margaret Johnson said things have been managed well over the past few years. She said she doesn’t agree that the county’s spending has been out of control as some people are saying. Johnson also said Polk County’s tax rate is low both nationally and locally.

“Things I’ve read about the county manager’s budget seem very responsible,” said Johnson. “They seem to be focused on our future needs.”

Myron Yoder urged commissioners to keep employee health insurance deductibles at $500. The proposed budget raises employee deductibles to $1,000 beginning on Jan. 1, 2012.

David Maxwell asked where the county’s leadership is and spoke about the county’s comprehensive plan and unified development ordinance.

“We’re not going to get there with inconsequential gifts,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell said he appreciates commissioner Pack and agrees someone needs to keep watch over the budget, but “let’s not lose sight.”

“Remember, we’re the jewel in Western North Carolina,” Maxwell said. “Let’s stay on that track and fulfill our own commitment.”

Earl Thompson said he agreed with Maxwell and told commissioners he doesn’t want to see the county “get in the red.” He urged commissioners to keep a solid fund balance, and said people respect and support county manager Ryan Whitson. Thompson said he wants the board to look out for the county’s needs and to look out for the schools.

“The other thing I would like is to see ya’ll work together a little bit better,” said Thompson. “There’s no reason you can’t come out in the paper saying you agree on something.”

Betty Garniss said Polk County’s taxes are low and commissioners should stick with what they know. Garniss said residents trust the people who are spending the county’s money and people want security.

Commissioners thanked residents for coming and for their comments. Commissioners Ray Gasperson and Renée McDermott all said they are happy with the budget the county manager has proposed.

Commissioners Tom Pack and Ted Owens, however, urged commissioners to consider Pack’s proposal. Pack said his budget does not cut into the county’s fund balance; it will actually add $250,000 to $500,000 at the end of the year. McDermott said she can’t figure out Pack’s basis for saying he’s not taking money from fund balance.

McDermott also said commissioners would like to give employees in the sheriff’s office raises, but they have said if employees will gain their BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training), it will automatically put them on the same footing and pay as deputies.

Commissioners are scheduled to adopt the new budget, which includes no tax increases, during a regular meeting on Monday, June 20 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Womack building in Columbus.