COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County government’s operating budget, like most counties in Michigan, is very tight and has been for most of the past two decades.
Third District County Commissioner Don Vrablic spoke to Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club members last week and explained the factors he believes have contributed to the county’s fiscal situation. He said the county has had a decline in money to work with, making it hard to keep up with expenses.
According to Vrablic, Proposal A and the Headlee amendment reduced the number of mills collected. He also cited several issues that have worked together to decrease funds available to the county from property taxes.
Vrablic explained that one result of the reduced inflow of funds is that Branch County’s government employment is down 20% since the recession in 2001.
