Frank to host two information sessions to discuss county budget

 

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank will host two special budget discussions to give the public a chance to hear and see a financial snapshot of Anderson County’s health, and to provide the public an opportunity to ask questions, a press release said.

Both an evening and a day meeting are scheduled. The evening meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Club Room at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. The day meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 17, from 12-1 p.m. at the Clinton Community Center. The public is invited to attend.

“Often times it can be confusing for citizens when they watch the budget process during full commission, or when they read about it in media reports as they don’t have an opportunity to see or hear a lot of the work that goes on in the lead-up to final presentation at commission,” Frank said in the press release. “I wanted to offer the public an opportunity to hear about the process, where we stand now, some of the challenges we face, and some of the goals for the future.

“The overall financial health of Anderson County has improved, and that takes a partnership between my office, the accounting office, departments and elected officials, and county commission. Together, we’ve made great strides tackling issues one at a time, but right now, the biggest issue facing us is funding of the school department in the face of declining enrollment.

“During the business of our regular commission meetings, we really don’t have the time to discuss the overall picture or engage in lengthy question-and-answer, as we are tasked with conducting the business side of our meetings. Hopefully these two opportunities will allow for a little more engagement that we’re restricted from doing in the regular course of government. I also hope to answer some of the basic questions that every citizen might ask, including questions on the reappraisal process.”