Commissioners’ decision: Too much, too little, too late

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Commissioners’ decision: Too much, too little, too late

Opinions

Friday, 26 February 2010 08:50

As I See It
Tom Long
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Better late than never.
That’s the thought that crossed my mind after reading the News-Gazette’s story regarding the recent Osceola County commissioner’s budget retreat. At September’s county budget hearings, hundreds of residents tried to express to them what they now seem to understand.
Commissioners Fred Hawkins Jr. and Ken Smith said the taxpayers won’t stand for a millage rate increase. The residents did not stand still for the last tax increase. Angry taxpayers filled their chambers, the overflow room and the hallway. Many people left because there was no room.
Commissioner John Quiñones said the county should “live within its means.” I am glad he recognizes that. At the last budget hearings, he proposed the library tap into reserves to maintain the current level of service.
I offered that utilizing the Friends of the Library and high school students, completing their community service requirements, would have kept the level of service intact. I also suggested taking out the 20 corrections officers that baby sit the libraries and replace them with a private security company at reduced hours.
Commissioner Brandon Arrington now says that the county subsidizing fire fees from the general fund was a mistake. That is why so many residents spoke against the methodology used to derive those fees. Even now, the fire fee advisory board is not allowed to discuss its budget.
On March 15, the commissioners will be fed another set of numbers that cannot be justified. The Fire Assess-ment Task Force, controlled by county employees, is not in agreement on what would be fair and equitable. The members were not allowed to discuss the fire budget.
Several residents lobbied commissioners for a budget advisory board. Instead, we got a citizens budget academy. Membership is limited to one year. Members are not allowed to choose their own chairman or provide recommendations.
Unfortunately, the commissioners’ sympathy comes too late for too many taxpayers. The commissioners’ unanimous vote to raise the millage hurt far too many homeowners who had tried to work out a mortgage adjustment. With insurance and property taxes rising, even a lower interest rate did not equate to a lower payment.
Osceola County is in competition with every county in the country for businesses and the jobs they bring. Osceola County is also the epicenter for foreclosures. Higher property taxes, gas and sales taxes will keep it that way.
Tom Long is a resident of St. Cloud.