Local government officials shouldn't need a reminder that they aren't the only ones facing difficult financial times.
But just in case:
County Administrator Craig Weinaug has indicated it would take a 5.75-mill property tax increase next year just to maintain county services at their current levels. He plans to propose budget cuts that would lower that increase by 2 or 3 mills. City and school officials are likely to face similar budget challenges.
No one wants to see a reduction in services, but local taxpayers are facing challenges of their own. With food and gasoline prices soaring, it's not a good time for local residents to see their tax bills go up.
As city and county commissioners and school board members start work on budgets for the coming year, they need to remember that things are tough all over. That means they must make the same kind of tough decisions for public budgets that individuals are having to make at home.
Comments
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xbusguy (chris Ogle) says…
It is time to bite the bullet. Cut spending, live within our means, and be prepared for this to last a couple of years. We simply can not keep raising taxes... people (our tax base) will leave.
yellowhouse (anonymous) says…
Cover-up and conspiracy at a Government level are very expensive. It leads to lawsuits, fines and loss of trust by the citizens in the way the officials are running and handling things and finances. How many lawsuits are paid out every year because the City commissioners cover-up or fail to properly address complaints of misconduct? http://news.larryville.com/forums/vie...
yellowhouse (anonymous) says…
The City commissioners claim the City of Lawrence needs no citizen review board, because according to Mike Amyx and Sue Hack they can handle the complaints.Yet when they are faced with issues or complaints they pass them off to someone else, cover them up, and keep them away from the public and press.Even issues that involve huge amounts of money!
SettingTheRecordStraight (anonymous) says…
"No one wants to see a reduction in services..."I do! I want government to reduce its size dramatically, and that means some of the "services" it provides will have to go.
xbusguy (chris Ogle) says…
I have e-mailed our city commission twice in the last two weeks. Have not heard back. Does that surprise anyone? Of course not, it was about budget control.
xbusguy (chris Ogle) says…
I also sent e-mail to county commision, concerning living within our budget. Of course, no response. We need someone representing us that listens. Everyone please vote! It really is our community, regardless of what elected folks may think.