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The county is struggling right along with the rest of us during this recession. Receipts from sales taxes are down and the state reimbursement for medical services is also lower than expected. This budget short fall will likely result in job cuts for approximately 200 county employees. Last year County Executive tried to furlough workers to prevent these job cuts. He proposed a 35 hour work week that was projected to save $3 million dollars. AFSME, the union representing the workers went to court to block the move. Instead of 5 less hours of pay per week, the employees will have no job at all. If it was me I would rather have the 5 hours less pay per week than no job at all. Earlier this year AFSME came to agreement with the city of Milwaukee to accept no pay increases for two years with a guarantee of no layoffs.
Response from some member of the county board was predicable and show where their loyalties lie. Supervisor Elizabeth M Coggs said the County zoo would have to be closed. Board Chairman Lee Holloway told Walkers aides they should “pray Scott Walker does not win his bid for governor”. Holloway said if that happened, “Most of you will be under my supervision and most of you will be fired.” Holloway is proposing a large increase in the sales tax.
Holloway has also proposed an increase of property taxes. I have heard figures of 6% to as high as a 28% increase. Board members have again chosen to play politics. Scott Walker has proposed a 0% tax increase budget for the last two years. He understands you cannot continue to go to tax payers and ask for more money, especially in tough times. Government must learn to live within their means, just like the rest of us. The board must remember they represent the taxpayers of Milwaukee County, not just those employed by the county.
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