Finishing Monroe County's Sewer Projects

State Legislator Ron Saunders is right to question Monroe County's desire for a 1 cent hike in the sales tax so the County can finish its sewer projects. In fact, one could ask why give the County any more money when it has wasted almost enough money over the years to finish the project.

Two recent examples of such waste come readily to mind. The first is Monroe County's courthouse that is not yet finished and, like the sewer project, has become a boondoggle and a financial nightmare. The second is the unneeded airport the county is spending millions on that has also become a boondoggle with costs spiraling out of control.

Legislator Saunders wants the State to allow Monroe County to issue bonds to complete its projects. But where will the now almost broke County get the money to pay off the bonds? And what will be the exact cost of finishing the sewer projects? Who knows? And that's the problem, isn't it? That's been the problem (among others) with the courthouse and now with the airport.

From our point of view, the County should not get dime one until it stops wasting the taxpayers' money like it has on the two projects just mentioned. And frankly, we would be loathed to buy any bonds issued by Monroe County for any new project until it cleans up its contract-administration act.

Quit Whining

The Commissioners and the Mayor should quit whining about the fact that they can't collect more property taxes and may have to spend less money. This Commission hardly has been frugal. They could have paid a ton more to the police in salaries and other benefits had the City not engaged in dumb behavior that has gotten the City embroiled in lawsuits that have needlessly sapped taxpayers' money.

Will the public and City staff understand when the City Commission and current Mayor plead poverty while spending on lawsuits (and losing). We don't think so.

Seniors Getting Tax Help?

It looks like there may be an additional homestead tax break for senior citizens. They may be able now to claim up to $75,000 if they meet certain income requirements, if local governments act by June 1. These governments must adopt an ordinance implementing the tax breaks and deliver that ordinance to the county appraiser.

The sticking point is going to be how much of a hit the local budget will take if a particular locality implements the change in the tax law. Several cities have already declined to implement the tax break citing financial reasons. Some are waiting for the legislature to finish work on a tax overhaul bill. That stance is going to be real popular with their low income senior citizens.