Taryn Kryzda, Acting Martin County Administrator, gave Martin County Democrats an inside look at the current and future fiscal challenges facing Martin County at the Democratic Club meeting held on October 7.

"It simply comes down to looking for ways to save money in this extremely difficult period that our economy is now going through," Kryzda said. "This year's county budget represents the constraints that have been placed upon the County, especially as it relates to personnel and the way in which their compensation is structured."

Kryzda said that County employees at all levels, including herself, will be asked to make sacrifices in both salary and benefits, and that this is increasingly a more difficult situation for all involved.

Several audience questions indicated some resident resistance to severe cutting of benefits, especially to long-time employees who have counted on the benefits that came as the result of their loyal employment with the County.

"Certainly you've identified one of the most difficult challenges that we face," Kryzda said. "However, we feel pressure from both Commissioners and taxpayers to make hard decisions about the issues surrounding employment at Martin County."

The Martin County Democratic Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Woman's Club on East Ocean Boulevard in Stuart. For information call Louise Cunha at 772-286-1281.