Law enforcement, fire department, water and sewer viewed as ‘essential services’

Candidates for Sheridan’s city council cited law enforcement, the fire department, water and sanitary sewer as among the most essential services the city provides residents.

Speaking in a recent forum for candidates in the Aug. 6 primaries, they were asked what they considered the most essential services and how would they prioritize the process for making cuts in the city budget.

Steven Brantz said both nationally and locally, governments will be faced with some tough calls on budgets.

Kristen Jennings cited the Kendrick Municipal Golf Course.

Thomas Kelly said one place to look for potential budget cuts is within city bureaucracy.

Drew Davis said sales tax revenues for May and June this year actually increased from last year, so the city is still on budget in spite of revenue losses to the state. But he also cited bureaucracy as a place where potential cuts could be made.

Shawn Day said before he could answer the question, he would have to see a budget and see where the monies are being allocated, and Spencer Kuzara echoed that. Kuzara said budget cuts can be a hard determination for someone on the outside looking in.