Commissioners begin ‘what now’ for 2012 budget

After learning last week the first draft of Whitman County’s 2012 budget is more than $1.5 million in the hole, commissioners Monday began discussing how they want to balance next year’s spending plan.

“I think we all can agree we’re not here to micromanage each department’s budgets,” said Commissioner Greg Partch.

Department leaders in the county’s current expense operating fund predicted revenues of $12,109,117, which is $1,549,495 shy of the $13,658,612 they expect to spend next year.

Administrative Director Gary Petrovich said he double-checked the revenue projections of Treasurer Robert L...