The Ways and Means Committee last week proposed nearly $50 million worth of changes to County Executive Joanie Mahoney’s tentative 2011 Onondaga County budget, including cuts to arts and cultural programs, and grounding and selling the sheriff’s helicopter. The recommendations have become the center of controversy, with Mahoney calling the committee’s tactics “gimmicks,” and “raiding of savings accounts.” Read The Eagle editor Ami Olson’s in-depth look at the committee’s recommended changes online at cnylink.com, then attend the public budget hearing, set for 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 7 at the OnCenter ballroom. All county residents are encouraged to attend.