Laura Blackmon is leaving her post as Orange County manager, WCHL reports. She is moving to Tennessee; her resignation is effective June 30. She has been county manager for more than two years.
In a somber letter to the Board of Commissioners, she addressed the financial difficulties facing the county.
Things are not looking good for the county or the two school systems, which have already been told they too will see a decrease in funds next year. The Budget Office has estimated the shortfall to be about $8 million, which will be difficult to absorb without cutting services or staff. …
You have probably already heard there will be no cost of living or merit increases for employees next year. We are also expecting about an 8% increase in the cost of medical benefits next calendar year. These costs can be contained if we work hard to stay healthy and reduce our claims for insurance. Unfortunately that is easier said than done.
