Todd Levent says
"Improve the County's Financial Effectiveness,
or face certain increases"
( for a graphic on Financial Effectiveness, click here )
Why will taxes & water/sewer rates go up in 2010? Our unrestricted Capital Reserve was $40.8 million in 2006; now it is $10.8 million. The Commissioners spent on average ~ $7.5 million more per year than we take in. (article: http://www.forsythnews.com/news/article/5405/) Mr. Harrell, a member of the county’s Finance Committee, says that talk of the 75% drop in reserves is a scare tactic - - not a result of deficit spending!!!!
The rapid growth period is gone forever but the county’s operating & financial practices have changed little.
Water/Sewer Rate Increase - - - - 25% increase estimated by former County CFO.
- For the last 4 years, commissioners have allowed the unsound financial practice of putting one-time connection fees into the operating fund instead of into reserve and depreciation accounts - - - pipes, equipment, treatment plants do break!!
- The last general rate increase was in 1999 but now connection fees are way down, & we still owe $280 million in bonds.
Public Safety - - - - should we all be concerned?
- Sheriff says the budget cuts may force him to cut 80+ patrol officers of ~ 240 total
- On-hold calls - - average 1 to 2/patrol car - - - 1.8 officers/1000 residents vs. 2.5 national average. Will drop to 1.2 if 80+ are cut!
Taxes - - - - Our millage rates will continue to increase until the county becomes financially effective.
- Mr Harrell says we have zero-based budgeting - - the other Finance Committee commissioner & 5 department heads say not true!!!
- If operating and financial practices stay the same, look for millage rate increases again in 2011 or 2012.
Todd Levent will strive for greater Financial Effectiveness by changing the way the commission views the county operation and its finances:
- First, the commission including Mr Harrell must stop its deficit & reckless spending.
- The commission must adopt new county operating processes to reflect future economic conditions with a conservative growth rate.
- Adopt Todd’s plan for revenue increases: a larger share of the sales tax and insure everyone pays their fair share: reduction of property tax loopholes, increases in fees/taxes on entities that pay little but cost the county much (e.g. rental trailers), etc.
- Re-assess the county’s expenses: consider public : private partnerships, flex time employees to cover peaks, out-sourcing, and most critical, resizing our services based on the new activity levels versus the old rapid growth model.
- Each Commissioner should be assigned 1 or 2 major departments and work with that leadership team to help assess how each department can become more effective. Not to point fingers but to stress positive changes for all.
Forsyth Citizens for Responsible Growth is a political action committee with a goal of protecting the rights of the county's homeowners through distribution of information to it's 1,300 supporters located in over 70 neighborhoods in District 3.
Visit our web site www.ForsythCRG.org for all voting information <> Early, Advanced, and Absentee. Also see Todd's Position on Issues or click here.
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