County adds half-mill to 2010 budget deficit

Tack another $479,726 to Whitman County’s 2010 spending deficit. Maybe.

County commissioners Monday approved on a 2-0 vote the fourth amendment to the county’s yearly spending plan. Commissioner Pat O’Neill was not present after having his knee replaced last week.

The amendment means the county now figures to spend $827,866 more than it collects in revenue this budget year.

Commissioner Greg Partch questioned the numbers, seeing the deficit grow much steeper than he expected.

"Something is wrong here," he said several times Monday while reviewing the amendment.

This was the first amendment pre...