Times have been tough and most people have scaled back on expenses. Not so with government agencies. Solution? Just “tax” more. In my business I am seeing senior citizens forced to sell the home they have worked and paid for for a lifetime. In Hamilton, for example, it is said that approximately 40% of the residents are on a “fixed” income. Then, a 42% tax increase and now another for the fairgrounds, on top of school levies, swimming pool levies, etc. Another 5 mills isn’t much they say, but it is when on top of all else.
The fairgrounds get 1.5 mills from the state, an annual budget amount from the county, plus all the income from the facilities. The county budget may be cut 3%. Remember a budget is somewhat of a wish list. Surely 3% won’t break the bank.
What to do? CUT BACK. That is what we did in all the years I was on the board. We even put the manager and staff on part time during the winter if need be. Cut back on all the landscaping, etc. It looks nice but could be cut back.
Isn’t the REAL problem the fancy $1,000,000 building? Just figure the payments and possible income. No way it can pay for itself.
NOW, the solution is to TAX the property owner and let everyone else in FREE. The parking lots were fuller than I have ever seen. Near record attendance, so people don’t mind paying to come. You can’t even use Como Lake without paying a “user fee.”
No, just live within your means – the rest of us sure have had to.
Cliff Trexler
Hamilton