GUILFORD COUNTY–The 2013-14 budget year promises to be one full of challenges for Guilford County Commissioners.
The County’s Budget Committee will meet on Wednesday and on the table is delaying many Guilford County School Projects.
Guilford County Commissioner Bruce Davis says it may be needed to deal with the $100 million debt the county has to pay back.
“It may not be the politically correct position or most popular position, but at some point we’ve got to pay the bills,” Davis said.
In 2008, Guilford County taxpayers approved over $600 million in bonds for a new jail, the expansion of Guilford Technical Community College, and new schools.
Davis says those facilities are now coming online, which means higher operating costs. Bills for debt payment are also due.
One project that could be delayed is the Construction of Simkins Elementary School.
The school located on East Lee Street in Greensboro is scheduled to be completed by August 2014.
Guilford County School Board Member Carlvena Foster says if Commissioners decide to delay any school projects, she hopes it isn’t the ones that have children already in them.
“I believe that move would have the greatest impact overall,” Foster said.
Commissioners will also discuss property and sales tax, and county capital needs during the budget meeting.
