Government Technology

Hillsborough County, Fla., Seeks Budget Cutting Ideas via Social Media


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March 5, 2010 By

Like many large public agencies, Hillsborough County, Fla., has been hit hard in recent years by the plummeting housing market, dwindling property taxes and a depressed economy.
The fourth largest county in Florida, with a population nearing 1 million, is again bracing for a predicted $55 million budget shortfall to critical services many residents depend on.

And like many large public agencies, Hillsborough is jumping on the social media bandwagon in hopes of getting feedback for its upcoming budget adoption.

"The cuts will be visible," County Spokesman Willie Puz said. "This is new and we're encouraged in the comments we've received, that people are engaging us that way, but we always hope for more."

The county announced in late February its adoption of county-specific social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, a blog, e-mail, text messaging and voicemail. The icing on the cake is the cost to implement such interactive tools - nothing, Puz said.

Areas already being considered for cuts include the "aging services department," Puz said, which provides funds for senior citizen services like respite care, services for Alzheimer's patients and food delivery to those living at home.


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