LJWorld.com

KsTwister (Anonymous) says…

Great, a study to tell us what we already know; past city commissions squandered revenues meant for now. Go figure, much spent on studies too. Now we will need a bypass for a good reason.

Godot (Anonymous) says…

This is pre-emptive action and I don't think raising the mill levy at this time is the right thing to do. The increased mill levy will be applied to the value the appraiser established in March, which does not reflect the 10 to 20 decrease in property values since then.

If the County Commissioners do anything they should shelve the entire idea of funding the purchase of Farmland. Its not like they have to strike while the iron is hot, that there is any competition out there, ready to buy it out from under them. And if there is, then good! Let private industry take on that project.

We are going to get hit with a double whammy on our property tax bills in December - inflated property values and increased mill levies based on an anticipation of reduced property values in the future.

monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…

It is past time for the city and the county to make a commitment to the property owners. That commitment should be that they will do everything possible to adjust their own budgets, no matter what it takes, before they raise our taxes. Let's see if they have the guts to do that, before they start running people out of their homes. If it takes eliminating jobs, do it. If it takes cutting back services, other than absolute necessities, do it. If it takes selling a golf course or vanishing a vampire bus service, do it.

The property owners are beyond declaring enough. We want to see action on the part of the taxing entities, and we want to see it now.

monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…

…and the headline “County to ponder tightening budget”, is that a mistake? Did Mike Belt mean to say that the county is to ponder HOW to tighten, or are they really just considering IF they will tighten their budgets?

consumer1 (Anonymous) says…

Kstwister, This is the county budget not the city.
Monkey Hawk, I guess it is okay to fire people as long as it is not you Huh????
How simple minded you are.

LogicMan (Anonymous) says…

“If the County Commissioners do anything they should shelve the entire idea of funding the purchase of Farmland. Its not like they have to strike while the iron is hot, that there is any competition out there, ready to buy it out from under them. And if there is, then good! Let private industry take on that project.”

Dittos. It's no time to be taking on new projects — wait for less-lean times.

monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…

“Monkey Hawk, I guess it is okay to fire people as long as it is not you Huh????
How simple minded you are.”

Talk about simple minded… I suppose it is NOT ok to fire people if IS you? Do you feel that everyone who works for the county and city is entitled to draw a paycheck from the pockets of those unfortunate enough to own property here? Do you feel the only solution is to raise our taxes more to continue to fund all the wasteful items our taxes have gone to in the recent past at the expense of our basic infrastructure? Has the county and the city shown such fiscal prudence in the past that you are certain they always do the right thing to benefit the citizens as a whole? Are you so worried about bus drivers and golf course mowers that you be willing to see elderly folks out on the street?

I used to think you got it.

consumer1 (Anonymous) says…

Monkey, Granted I was harsh. Sorry about that. I know some county employees who may be the recipient of the county's inability to manage itself. They are wonderful people who have been dedicated to the county for years and because of the county's inabilitiy to manage itself. If these people were to lose their jobs, losing their home is not far behind. I am angry with the county, It seems those in the administration are paid very well, and they seem out of touch with the reality of their little game. So , sorry I harshed on you.
I do get it.

xbusguy (Anonymous) says…

Douglas County has already taxed the lower and middle income folks out. If I could sell my house for what they say it's worth, I would move without hesitation. After three generations of family in Douglas, it's time to get out. So sad.

hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…

xbusguy, this county and city so small that it is , just doesn't get it. WE have sadly, leaders that somehow got elected who are so out of touch with thereal world. If the county is going to tighten the budget, cut the budget, then those cuts should not result in a mill levy increase but instead create a mill levy decrease. How can someone like bob johnson, mcelhaney allow this to happen? Two business people who know that if you cut your operating expenses, you can't then raise your rates or price for fencing or whatever. I don't get it and it is obvious they don't either.

monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…

Thanks, c1. I really echo your sentiments.

We are in a sad situation, but why does the burden have to keep falling on the same class time after time? There have to be sacrifices everywhere. I am sure most of us have already cut back where we can in order to survive this downturn. We should demand the same of the city and the county. The fat times are gone for now. We are suffering out here, our “leaders” need to listen, and they need to lead by example.

hipper_than_hip (Anonymous) says…

johnson and mcelhaney don't give a hoot about the voters.

XD40 (Anonymous) says…

Its time for the county, city and school district to begin looking at reducing their spending. There are certain fundamentals we expect: law enforcement, fire protection, infrastructure maintenance (roads, water, sanitary sewer) and the like. Much beyond that gets into luxury territory.

Sam_Knowlton (Anonymous) says…

Agree that best return on investment for tax dollars would be in creating more jobs. With the slowdown in job creation and the increase in fuel costs, I wonder if we're going to be saying goodbye to many like you, Xbus.

Wrote about that here http://www.samknowlton.com/?p=20 …

MattressMan (Anonymous) says…

Both the city and county have plenty of fat that could be trimmed. Problem is nobody on either board wants to be the one to pull the trigger on the waste as they would then be looked upon as the bad guy.

XD40 (Anonymous) says… There are certain fundamentals we expect: law enforcement, fire protection, infrastructure maintenance (roads, water, sanitary sewer) and the like.

I agree XD40 so much more above and beyond that is a luxury. Trim the P&R budgets, fairgrounds, ditch mowing, outside agency funding etc. it can be done but no one is willing to take the first step.

hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…

Someone will have to be the bad guy. Budget cuts should result in mill levy decrease. Thanks for the tip about Johnson and McElhaney not caring, it is apparent. Wonder why the J/W isn't interviewing the candidates for county commission and ask them two simple questions.

1. Where would you cut to reduce spending?

2.. How much do you plan to decrease the mill levy.

Those are the questions , Dolph. Saturday Column topic.

After all, if you cut the staff at the J/W to save money, you surely don't plan to raise the price of the paper, when it is given away free anyway.