There were not many highlighting points from the September meeting. The meeting went off pretty peacefully for a change. In August meeting they revealed that the Tourism Director had resigned. In this meeting David Eaton postponed the discussion of what to do with the position and the already budgeted money. A question that arises’ from the discussion is why do they have to spend the money. David Eaton in his comments was like we will find where to spend that money. It seems like every opportunity that they have to cut spending they just look for some other way to spend the money. They could capture savings from this department and look to lowering expenses for next year’s budget. But, no, instead they are going to best see where to spend the money.
The Board did a nice thing to give the 4 local Food Pantries a $500 cash voucher. In the discussion it was determined to give the voucher so that the money would be spent here in Russell County, which will help local businesses. In some of the discussions there were some confusing statements. Chairman David Eaton said that this would also help the county get the tax off the donation if the money was spent in Russell County. Supervisor Andrew Hensley questioned “is this just 1% on the tax.” David Eaton replied “yes.” My question is if they are tax exempt then what return on tax are they talking about?
As far as the charitable donations that the Board of Supervisors give, Supervisor Andrew Hensley made the statement “I do not understand why some of these requests by to the board can not be handled by the Churches?” Other members of the board agreed that many churches in the community are willing to step up to the plate and help where needed.
I personally agree with Andrew, and one could write a book on why local government should not be in the charity business. Many organizations are willing to help out along with local individuals in helping with the needs. I think Andrew’s point is they come to the board for certain things without ever making the effort to ask churches or organizations for help.
When the budget process was on going the County Administrator informed everyone of what tax rate he needed to operate the budget. My question is with people coming in monthly to ask for money that is not in the budget where does all this extra money come from?
Lou Ann Wallace deserves some credit for stating she was against raising our taxes. She stated that she did not accept the tax increase and was totally against. On that point she gets praise but in the same speech she voiced her unhappiness with the forensic audit. The public needs this audit so we can trust our government and what if money can be found that would help the county that would be great. Also, if money has been improperly used then the public and the board need to know these things.
As far as food pantries area wide coming to the board for money, the county already has the board of social services which is paid for by the taxpayer. I think social services does a good job and I have not heard any report that they do not. If you have no money they provide food stamps. No one should be starving if the system is set up correctly. I understand that some may not qualify for as much assistance based on income. But that means they have more money, and one must ask should not food be the first thing on your budget. I understand there are times when people need just a little extra help with food, and it is good the pantries are available. But how many times should the government have to pay to feed the people? I never want to see anyone go hungry so I will be donating to pantries and other organizations. I worked at a food pantry in Russell County and from what I saw most of the ones collecting food were not going to starve and really did not need the food. I really got the feeling that some were there just to save money for other things. If families have no way to get food and have people in danger of starving, I am very grateful the food pantries are there. Churches and other organizations are available and just waiting to help.
In further news, it was posted on Facebook that the School Board decided to join other counties and not charge students for sporting events in the county.
There was no mention at the Board of Supervisors meeting about the lawsuit against the county by the Dante Fire Department.
