If Pasco County schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino can persuade the school board to avoid a single layoff, maintain current salaries and not touch any classroom programs to combat an anticipated $16 million budget shortfall, she should be administrator of the year. ...more

May 11, 2008

The city's department heads will spend the next three weeks preparing their budgets for next year with an eye toward making cuts. ...more

May 6, 2008

CHANGES EXPECTED TO SAVE NEARLY $4,400 ...more

May 3, 2008

Now that the state's universities have decided to cut enrollment to offset a whopping budget shortfall, community colleges will have to figure out how to absorb even more students while cutting millions of dollars. ...more

February 26, 2008

In response to the article Milking FEMA, I find it quite interesting how one person can begrudge someone without knowing all the circumstances involved. Yes, I am "that lady." I do not need to justify to you as to why I received assistance after damage caused from a hurricane. I will say that I am a taxpayer, have a job and have a home. Oh, I have been in the work force for greater than 30 years. So, let me laugh at your remark as to "get a job and a home!" ...more

February 24, 2008

Just like that, cornerback has become an area of need for the Bucs this offseason. Brian Kelly is the reason. The longtime starting left corner quit on the Bucs on Feb. 15, buying his freedom for a reported $453,000. ...more

February 24, 2008

I'm getting very irritated when the first thing elected city officials or government officials say is that we can't reduce taxes because we'll have to reduce services. They need to look at organizational structures, tasks and responsibilities and see how they can adjust. It's the citizens' money, not theirs. I am totally disgusted with the sheriff's office when they took extra money and divided it up for bonuses. This was ridiculous. ...more

February 13, 2008

Regarding "Bucs Raise Ticket Prices Again" (Sports, Feb. 9): Once again, the ownership of the Buccaneers has shown its incredible disregard for the loyal fans of the team. This price increase comes in a difficult economy in which most people have had little to no increase in their salaries. ...more

February 12, 2008

Landscaping costs in the three Highlands County incorporated areas: (budgeted costs vary wildly, and shouldn't be directly compared, since most employees perform several tasks not connected with landscaping, while grant funding varies and pays for many improvements.) • Highlands County-$2.5 million yearly budget for landscaping of 40 county owned properties which includes the cost of a four-person, full-time department. • Avon Park-$52,000 of Avon Park city funding goes to contractor Cutting Edge, which maintains the U.S. 27 corridor, the Main Street mall and other city properties. Inmates perform much of the landscaping at no cost to the city, as is the custom in many areas of the county. Five recreation department employees oversee upkeep of the city ball fields with a $16,000 yearly budget. ...more

February 10, 2008

The time has come where the middle class taxpayer is just about stretched to the limit financially. The new homestead exemption helped somewhat, but the local governments will need additional taxes to keep the level of services they offer, especially law enforcement. ...more

February 6, 2008