To the editor:

Island County has lost millions from sales tax revenue. That’s because the economy has taken a hit and people are saving more and spending less. Some are losing their jobs in the private sector.

Because the county has to have a balanced budget and the concurrent loss of revenue, the commissioners have required across-the-board cuts for 2010. When you balance the budget in this manner, every government service is treated equally. Security and criminal justice should be top priority, not unfunded or less-than-vital services.

Bill Carruthers

Clinton