Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Priorities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Citizen urges restraint on infrastructure spending, criticizes EDC request during budget hearing
Summary
At the Wilkes County budget hearing a resident criticized a $275,000 funding request by the EDC as lacking explanation and urged commissioners to prioritize services for struggling residents over large infrastructure projects and to avoid hidden expenditures.
Kathy Sawyer told the Board she represents many citizens who are concerned about county spending priorities and singled out an Economic Development Commission request she described as insufficiently explained. She said the EDC request for $275,000 lacked details on salaries or cash on hand and called it "unacceptable," urging commissioners to prioritize services such as the library, senior services and Meals on Wheels rather than large capital projects that would draw on the unassigned fund balance.
Sawyer urged transparency about transfers and raises, saying citizens deserve public discussion rather than closed‑door decisions. Her remarks were made during the public hearing on the proposed 2026–2027 county budget; no EDC representative spoke in response at the hearing.
