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From Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts

District 2, At-Large

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 6, 2012

                                                                                                     Media Contact: Harriet Thomas

404-612-8210

                                                                                                              www.fultoncountyga.gov

Commissioner Robb Pitts Says Raising Taxes Isn’t the Answer

Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts says Fulton County can’t keep spending money it doesn’t have, and will be in serious financial trouble if the County continues on its current spending path.  “We have a spending problem – not a revenue problem.  Increasing taxes on our citizens is not the answer.”

“Fulton County has traditionally maintained a strong financial standing. But we are placing our financial health in jeopardy if we don’t make some serious changes in our financial management,” said Commissioner Pitts.  “We are facing a crisis – possibly as soon as 2013 and certainly by 2014 – unless we radically cut our expenses.  We can’t continue to balance our budget with smoke and mirrors.”

He says that the Finance Director has offered sound financial advice through the years, but the spending has continued – and has even increased.  For example, the Board voted in December to add a new economic development department.  Pitts expressed concern that new programs are being added and raises given in a budget that is already stretched to the limit.  Instead, he says the Board needs to focus on three required core service areas – health and human services, libraries, and the criminal justice system – and cut back in other areas.

“We need to make some hard decisions, said Commissioner Pitts.  “It isn’t fair to taxpayers – many of whom are facing unemployment themselves and financial stress.”

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