Commissioners respond to budget criticism

Donley County Commissioners answered criticism of their proposed 2001-2002 budget Monday.

During a called meeting, members of the commissioners’ court emphasized that the current budget is “proposed” and is not yet final.

County Judge Jack Hall expressed his belief that the person who told County Agent Leon Church at a community function that his budget had been cut should come forward. Hall said he felt like that person had spoken out of turn since the budget had not been finalized.

“My name’s in the paper; that guy’s name ought to be in the paper too,” the judge said.

Commissioner Donnie Hall expressed concern that the public had been given the impression that it was a member of the commissioners’ court who had put the word on the street regarding budget cuts. The proposed budget was put together during a series of open meetings, but commissioners agreed that none of them ever went out into town to discuss the matter.

Commissioners will take up the budget again during a hearing Thursday in the Courthouse Annex.

In other county business, the court approved preparing an application for funding to assist homeowners in Donley County with repairing damage from flooding in May.

Four homeowners had sought assistance under the program, but only two qualified. A grant for $19,200 on one home and $17,200 on another will make those repairs through the 2001 Home Disaster Relief Program.

The Panhandle Regional Planning Commission is assisting with this program.