THE Belmont County Commissioners last week submitted the road map for the next fiscal year’s county budget.

The budget has been one of the biggest concerns county leaders have faced in recent years. With the economy slumping, officials have been forced to make cuts this year and last year. In 2009, the sheriff’s office went through some significant personnel cuts, while the Department of Job and Family Services has also been under a budget crunch, trimming down its staffing – in many cases by not replacing positions from which employees have retired.

While public employees are taking on additional workloads, the county appears to be operating effectively albeit on a tight ship.

The proposed 2011 budget commissioners submitted to the county budget commission last week is just slightly tighter than this year’s budget. Board members praised elected officials and department heads for keeping within their budgets this year and operating on close to bare bones in many cases.

Most county departments submitted their “wish lists” for 2011 without expecting salary increases across the board.

Despite the fact that many signs point to an economic rebound afoot, it’s wise to maintain a sense of caution when it comes to spending taxpayer’s money during these trying times.

We commend county officials who plan to forego pay increases in 2011. Government must operate just as efficiently as private businesses must do.

Belmont County’s general fund for the next fiscal year should mirror this year’s general fund budget.

That means no new cuts are in the near future, but the county and all the departments will be looking forward to wearing the belt just as tight as this year.

In order to live within our means, our local governments – just like all of us – have to continue to watch our wallets.