Fannin County’s commissioners have a good idea, which is that if spending money is not necessary, then don’t spend it.
Talk of putting a halt to all non-essential spending came up during the commissioners meeting April 28. The next step agreed to by Chairman Stan Helton and commissioners Earl Johnson and Glenn Patterson was to contact department heads and get an idea of essential and non-essential spending.
There was no decision on how to move forward once that information is received, but the idea is a good one.
The county is already operating at a budget deficit this year. Business closings and stay-at-home orders associated with the coronavirus are sure to put a huge dent in sales tax, hotel/motel tax and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax collections. The exact amount of damage will not be known for months, but it is sure to be substantial.
Taxpayers will be well served if every penny possible is saved.