Budget gaps are no fun.  Once a local government starts implementing hiring freezes and proposing tax hikes, constituents immediately become more sensitive to any and all expenses.

And the AJC knows it.

Splashed across the front page of this morning’s paper, a story about the DeKalb County Commission’s recent approval of up to $101,000 to repaint and wallpaper government buildings.

Commissioner Connie Stokes explained to the paper that the wallpapering is not just a cosmetic expense, but will replace “flood or water-damaged wallpaper.” And though the paper cites real estate agent Mark Ponzer as knowing “that some wallpapering can be put on hold”, no specific examples are provided to refute Stokes claim.

However, the commission did not respond to questions about why any of the county’s 8,000 employees could do the work, instead of contracting the work out.

Take a look at the paper today and you’ll see that DeKalb is looking at a potential $40 million budget deficit, and Mayor Franklin is channeling GM and asking for a “federal rescue plan” for their shortfall thanks to the economic slowdown.

So why haven’t we heard similar cries from our own city commission room?  …aside from when the mayor chastised the governor for reneging on the homeowner tax relief grant a couple months back.

Hmm…aside from being fiscally responsible, do you think that THIS might have something to do with it?

So far, Decatur’s housing market is proving more recession resistant than most.  (and yes I see that # of sales are down…but at least average price is UP)

Now I’m not saying that we won’t need to tighten our belts going forward.  Or be more conservative withour revenue…I don’t have the inside scoop on any of this.  But charts like this are somewhat reassuring .