Sunday, October 17, 2004
 
Reality, Meet Government

Here in Casinoport the municipal government faces a deficit and wants to raise taxes:
    On Nov. 2, Maryland Heights’ voters will decide on several measures, including an increase in the business license tax, proposed by the City Council to address a projected longterm General Fund shortfall.
(Source: The October 2004 newsletter.)

Scientific analysis has determined:
    Based on an analysis by the city’s Finance Department, if current levels of revenues and expenditures remain unchanged, the city will face a $4.5 million General Fund deficit over the next five years. Anticipated inflation and cost-of-living increases for city employees are the major forces behind the projected deficit.
You know, I am not an accountant, but if I had to point a finger at underlying causes for a budget deficit, I might look at:
  • The Aquaport, the city's water park which was constructed when funds were flush and now contributes ongoing expenses, even when funds aren't.

  • Maryland Heights Center, the city's community center which was constructed when funds were flush and now contributes ongoing expenses, even when funds aren't.

  • Redesigning the city logo because the old one was 19 years old. Not only did the city get less-than-free help from professionals, but it then had to apply this new logo to all buildings, vehicles, signs, and so on.

  • The new City Government Center, which will cost $21,000,000 if completed on budget. Again, this will undoubtedly increase ongoing annual expenses.
Thank you. I think a little foresight might have prevented this catastrophe, but the government is only doing its job, which apparently it has conceived of as spending all available taxpayer dollars and then demanding more.


- posted by Brian J. @ 7:22 AM
Comments: Post a Comment

<< Home
 
To say Noggle, one first must be able to say the "Nah."