As 2009 draws to a close, it's only natural to reflect on the year gone by. For the Sussex County Council, 2009 was historic. In January, three new members took their seats on the five-member body, only to be greeted with news that record deficits were looming, largely because of the economic collapse of 2008.
To the members' credit, the new council took immediate and decisive action, implementing various cost-cutting measures. These actions would reduce losses by 75 percent. Simultaneously, council directed the county's budget committee to prepare a realistic balanced budget that avoided tapping reserves or raising taxes.
As a result, council in June passed a lean budget that was 16 percent smaller than the previous year, helped in part by staff reductions, voluntary unpaid leave and changes to the employees' medical insurance plan.
Despite these reductions, the county has maintained its level of services and still included more than $7 million in grants to non-profit community service and volunteer organizations, such as fire companies, local libraries and senior centers.
During this time, Sussex has completed and embarked on many significant projects. Some of these began under the leadership of the previous council, for which former councilmen Dale Dukes, Finley Jones and Lynn Rogers deserve recognition. These gentlemen served Sussex County with great dedication, and for that we are grateful.
· Maintaining the county's AA bond rating.
It's clear that 2009 was a busy year here in Sussex County. It was a year full of challenges and tough choices, but one in which those obstacles were overcome thanks to County Administrator David Baker, the budget committee and all our dedicated employees. Sussex County has been blessed in so many ways, and 2009 is a perfect illustration of our continuing good fortune.
In closing, I also want to thank the people of this county for their efforts and for their understanding during this past year. On behalf of the county council, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to another successful year in 2010 and continuing our service to the people of Sussex County.