Paying for the whims of the state

OUR OPINION
Published: August 13, 2008

The Virginia State government is unbelievable. It comes up with all sorts of high-minded programs and then mandates them so that localities have to implement them. Of course, they provide some
funding, but then when the going gets tough, the burden falls on the local government to find ways to make up for state budget shortfalls.

Case in point:  The state’s biennial 2009-10 budget calls for a $100 million reduction in aid to local governments. Manassas has to either cut $134,124 from state-mandated programs, write a check to the
state in the appropriate amount or do nothing and have the state do what they will with the program funding.

Manassas has decided to do nothing and let the state figure out what to do. We agree with Manassas. It’s the state’s dirty work to be done and the burden should not fall on Manassas to make the tough
choices in this case.

The decision to do nothing was not unanimous. The council tied 3 to 3 and Mayor Harry J. “Hal” Parrish Jr., broke the tie.

Councilman Jonathan Way, who voted against the motion to do nothing, said he thought that sending a check for the $134,124 would be a dramatic gesture. He also hoped that the city would send a
letter to Richmond, chastising the state government for the situation.

We think that sending a letter is good idea. Doing nothing and allowing the state to make the necessary cuts is an appropriate gesture akin to “civil disobedience.” But Manassas also has a responsibility
to tell the state how it is affecting localities.

The voice of Manassas should not go unheard.

It is absurd, in the first place, for the state to be mandating programs to localities where it has little understanding of the city dynamics or situation. Blanket institution of programs statewide is not a great
idea.

But for the state to then demand money back for the very programs it mandated when the budget goes tight ... well that just shows how untenable the situation is.

Richmond, do your worst.