Sumter County probably won’t schedule a public hearing on the county budget on Labor Day next year.
No member of the public showed up at a Labor Day hearing this week. Another public hearing on the this year’s $188.5-million budget is scheduled Sept. 21 with likely Sumter County Commission approval the same night.
At a commission meeting last month, Commissioner Doug Gilpin criticized the Labor Day hearing, calling is a disservice to the public.
County Administrator Bradley Arnold said at Tuesday night’s commission meeting that he has looked at other possible days for next year’s hearing. He said the hearing would conflict with the school district if it were moved to Tuesday.
He suggested that Wednesday would be possible, although many churches hold activities on that night.
“There is some flexibility to make some modification,” he said.
The county is subject to some legal restrictions in scheduling public hearings on the budget.
Gilpin praised Arnold for examining the problem.
“I do appreciate that effort,” he said. “It makes the process more accessible to the citizens.”
In other business, Arnold reported that the Florida Department of Transportation has transferred surplus property along County Road 44 to the county. He said the property will be useful in expanding recreation opportunities at Lake Okahumpka Park south of The Villages.
