It's tough times right now, not only for the average middle-class family, but also for the county governments that represent them.

Fuel costs and medical expenses are way up and property tax revenues – thanks to the crumbling housing market – are way down. That combination spells trouble for budget writers in Nash and Edgecombe counties as they make plans to meet the needs of various departments in fiscal year 2008-09.

To make matters worse, each county is working with property values that were measured in 2000. That means while costs have gone up, the revenue rate being drawn from property owners has stayed the same.

So what's the answer to the dilemma?

Commissioners in both counties seem to be heading in the right direction by reeling in costs and making cuts wherever possible. The Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners even went as far as to reject the initial budget proposal by demanding more extensive cuts.

Yes, that means the public schools, department of social services, law enforcement and other county agencies won't get as much money as they requested.

But much like the working families that they represent and serve, county officials have no choice but to trim spending.

Next year property revaluations will give commissioners some breathing room.

In the meantime, these are difficult economic times for everyone. It's good to see county leaders – at least in the Twin Counties – are acting accordingly.