I wanted to take a minute to give some final, end of the year, comments about what has been happening in the County and what we’re looking forward to.
A quick recap of the year:
Out with the old:
Your new Board of Supervisors were sworn in on January 6th, with a Board workshop the following few days. Over the several months, the Board of Supervisors began addressing several key concerns regarding the operations of the County, including but not limited to, the budget, staffing concerns, union discussions and facilities.
Keeping the Grand Jury Reports in mind, your Board has begun taking the necessary steps to address the concerns of the public and rebuilding, in my opinion, that trust between the public and your Board of Supervisors. For me, trust is earned and we’ll keep taking those steps to keep that trust.
The Board also addressed issues regarding County Fire response and funding, Law Enforcement response and funding, as well as addressing the status of the roads within the County. These are complex issues and we’re working on finding creative solutions to address the funding concerns.
The County is still waiting to hear if the County will receive the SAFER grant to assist with the cost of fire services but I’m hopeful that we will. If the County does not, then your Board will have to have a difficult discussion about the level of Fire service. Recently, your Board of Supervisors formed an ADHOC Committee to look at the fire service and funding solutions for the County. Supervisors Holland and Campbell are the Supervisors on the committee and should have a presentation for the Board early in the new year.
The Board of Supervisors, as I have said from day one, recognizes that the most valuable asset to our organization are the people. The Board understands, supports, and sympathizes with the employees and, I for one, will continue to strive to find ways to make sure our employees are happy, proud and secure in working for this County.
Now in with the new:
Next year is going to be a busy year for the County and your Board of Supervisors. We are wrapping up 2025, which is the 175th Anniversary of the County, and 2026 ushers in the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. Keep and eye out for the celebrations of our Nations anniversary throughout the County.
In February your Board will have a two day workshop to discus the County’s short and long term objectives and goals. Keep an eye out more information as we get closer to that date.
Lastly, this is an election year, and I wish all those running for office good luck. The best part of our American way, for the last 250 years, is that anyone can run for office. Anyone can get involved, and anyone can make a difference.
If running for office isn’t your thing, you can stay informed by logging onto the County website and reading the County’s agenda. You can watch the videos of the meeting anytime, and you can stay in touch with your Supervisor by picking up the phone, or sending an email. I’ll continue to be having regular town hall meetings, as I did this year, and as those dates become available, I’ll let you know.
Have a great and safe New Years Eve!!! Don’t drink and drive because if you never come home from a night on the town, your pets will never understand why you left them. With that being said, see you all next year.
