Officials praise Sutter County's efforts
Outgoing and incoming chairmen of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors took optimistic tones Tuesday evening, describing tough choices and sacrifices made by the county in recent years as direct links to hoped-for economic stability now.
After asking county elected officials and department heads to stand, new Chairman Jim Whiteaker said, "These individuals you see standing do an exceptional amount of work in their respective departments."
Supervisors asked departments to cut budgets by 20 percent in 2011 and by another 10 percent last year, he said.
"Although some found it challenging, they all met their goals," he said.
Outgoing Chairman Larry Munger said he expects more cuts in 2013, but also listed several accomplishments the county saw in the last year and ones he expects to see this year.
Among the past highlights were balancing the budget, making progress on restoring fiscal health to the county airport, and breaking ground on a new animal shelter. Continuing the shelter work and beginning levee improvements are on tap for this year, Munger said.
But a good portion of the meeting was taken up with honoring former Supervisor Larry Montna, whose term ended last week.
In addition to receiving praise from the board and several other community members, Montna received gifts of an apron, chef's hat and oversized spatula, honoring his frequent participation in community cookouts.
His voice cracking, Montna said he would miss being on the board, but was already looking forward to finding another opportunity to serve.
Montna's replacement as District 1 supervisor, Ron Sullenger, received his formal welcome to the board, after taking the oath of office Monday.
"I'm anxious to work with these gentlemen," Sullenger said. "I'm sure they'll point me in a lot of different directions, and hopefully some of them are the right ones."
CONTACT Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4786. Find him on Facebook at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer.
