Local government

After attending a local Board of Commissioner's meeting last week I am prompted to put to paper a few observations.  I am not an economics guru nor a political science professional, but I do possess a little common sense.

First, if the community wants services they must be willing to pay the taxes to fund the services.  Second, there are state laws that require local government to fund certain services and positions and the local government does not have a choice on whether to comply.  The county also has the legal obligation to financially support the authorities and agencies that are developed and designated by the county commissioners.  Therefore it becomes most important to not be frivolous in establishing authorities or agencies the county cannot support and to also retain some control over such to ensure limited liability to the county government.

If the people of the county want manned fire departments in the four zones of the county, they must be prepared to fund those departments through increased taxes.  On the other hand, abuse of the tax payer's funds is illegal and unethical.  Tax payer money is not there for use by the board of commissioners or agency heads to use as they see fit.  The commissioners are elected to represent the people of the county, but the people have the responsibility to ensure the commissioners perform in a legal and ethical manner.  Many counties have citizen oversight committees and others have citizens responsible enough to attend meetings and remain cognizant of how their county is run.

The county budgets are requested by the agencies or departments and approved by the commissioners and once funded should be closely adhered to.  Any excess should be returned to the county coffers and not squandered on non essentials.  Emergency situations occur and must be handled accordingly.  

There is a misconception that the tax assessor's office and the tax commissioner's office set the taxes.  The tax assessor's office assess the value of the property and ensures uniformity of assessments in the county and the tax commissioner's office collects the taxes for the county.  Taxes are based on 40% of the fair market value of the property.  The tax digest is a compilation of the assessed value of real and personal property.  The millage rate is attained by dividing the budget by the assessed value of property or the tax digest.  This is done by the board of commissioners not by the tax assessor or the tax commissioner.

There is so much duplication in services within the city and county.  A consolidated government would benefit the citizens greatly and do away with such duplication and result in a streamlined operation with maximum benefits to the residents.

Just a few of my thoughts and until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle