Friday, January 9, 2009

Good afternoon.

I hope you had a great holiday season.

As we enter 2009, we are looking at a change in our national government and an uncertain economy.  Here in St. Tammany, we are doing better than many parts of our country but we too must proceed carefully into the new year.

We have reduced our budget in 2009 and are planning carefully to manage parish finances through the new year.  These efforts however may not be enough to maintain current citizen services.

Our parish has grown tremendously, and with it the need for citizen services has grown.  From education to law enforcement to recreation, the demands for services are up while  funding has not kept pace.

In parish government, we are doing our best to maintain services and NOT raise taxes.  I certainly don't want higher property taxes, and I don't think you do either.

We are...    -  Continue