"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
In this tough budget time, Mecklenburg County has hired a consulting firm to help find ways to save money.
Yes.
You heard that correctly.
County Manager Harry Jones HIRED Deloitte Consulting to help us supposedly save money when buying goods and services.
This in a time when most programs are either getting cut or told to tighten their belts.
These consultants cost 540-thousand up-front.
The more they find to save, the more they then get paid, potentially as much as 3 1/2 million dollars.
The county says it hopes to end up saving 13-to-20 million dollars.
Despite us truly commending efforts to keep spending under control... we have to ask.
Why now?
If there are places we can save money -- aren't those in charge smart enough to find them?
Can't you just take the time to look a little closer and see where we have the biggest or most unnecessary expenses?
In one of the toughest times anyone can remember, do we HAVE to shell out what could be millions just to hopefully consult on our own budget?
And while we're talking about it... we are also suddenly reminded about that compensation settlement Harry Jones recently approved for a former county mental health manager.
He, alone, approved giving her 63-thousand dollars.
Here's a suggestion:
Maybe Deloitte Consulting should suggest the first cut be to the calculator Mr. Jones is using.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" – tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
