Carpenter thanked the veteran’s discussion group for hosting her talk and expressed excitement for the connection between county government and the veterans.
Carpenter quickly transitioned to the budget and said the general fund deficit isn’t as drastic as the anticipated $7 million. She said efforts are under way to save money while not eliminating county offices.
“There are duties we perform that protect your interests,” Carpenter said of services such as titles, criminal justice and engineering.
Carpenter said in recent weeks, a contract and purchasing agent was hired to renegotiate high-cost contracts, and that $200,000 already has been saved. As well, a facility manager will be hired soon to oversee maintenance of the county’s 20 buildings.
Carpenter also mentioned recent efforts to realign salary scales to the private sector.
“The study pointed out many of our government employees are overpaid compared to their counterparts in the private sector,” she said.
Carl Crane of Hamilton said he likes how up front Carpenter is.
“I like the fact she is ruffling other feathers is good; government is too fat and has way too many people,” Crane said.
Carpenter said these efforts, mixed with creative ideas will help lower costs. “We can’t afford to do business as usual,” she said.
Barbara Bogan of Hamilton said she came into Carpenter’s talk with a negative perception but left feeling impressed by the new commissioner.
“You were a new face and people were looking for change,” Bogan said to Carpenter. “The American people are fed up with government the way it is.”
Anyone interested in joining the veteran’s discussion group should contact Howard Cohen at (513) 863-4738.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
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