Moulder not reluctant to wield the ax

“It was like Christmas time around here.” That remark by Scott Moulder was used by the Oconee County administrator to describe a wide-eyed anticipation with which county department heads approached their individual budget requests for a new year. Moulder told the County Council that he counted total requests above $50 million. Some of those requests would cover legitimate needs, but Moulder recommends the county hold general spending to $41.9 million. At that level, Moulder said no tax increase will be required for 2014. The spending plan recommended by Moulder awards between one and three percent merit pay increases, but holds the line on health care premiums for county workers.