PART V What if and some food for thought…
Where would we get the money to pay for everything? Is that the question to be asking, or is it the question “Should we be paying for things we don’t need?” So, knowing Martin County, we want everything we have. Well, we’re used to having these things.
The State could help. Governor DeSantis has promised “budget dust” for rural counties that simply will not be able to pay for services. Martin County is a donor County though. Meaning we actually donate to other counties through the state. The State could modify the unfunded mandates so easily handed down to Counties. The State currently has a 6% sales tax. It could lower that so counties could afford to raise theirs. Not an optimal solution, as sales tax is very regressive. MCTA thinks the State should mandate that Counties adopt the “roll-back” rate whenever applicable. That would force the County government to work with the same amount of tax revenue as the previous year regardless of increases in property values. This would force the County to hold expenditure flat with the previous year. Then you wouldn’t be shocked that your taxes went up even though the County had chosen not to increase the millage rate.
Counties can think out of the box. For example, Martin County’s library system has a philanthropic group who raises money for the special programs it offers. They help ensure that the Director of Libraries can hold the line on expenditures. This might be a stretch for General Servies, but not for Parks and Rec. MCTA believes there are plenty of sports and outdoor enthusiasts who would step up enthusiastically! Game ON!
Efficiency studies should be performed on a standardized schedule. They should be performed by outside entities capable of performing industry-specific assessments. Any private company would do so if a portion of their budget was bloating.
Choices will have to be made no doubt. And YOU can do your part by staying informed and by considering if expenditures are wants or needs. Next time you use a county facility ask yourself.
Some would argue that if you are paying property taxes, you are simply renting from the government. If your home can be taken from you even though you’ve paid off the mortgage, is it really yours?
We have instituted an INSIGHTS series of events which will feature a prominent issue or speaker of importance to you the taxpayer. And, of course, there is our monthly newsletter which will report on Commission meetings etc. To get invitations to the INSIGHTS events or to sign up for the newsletter go to www.mctaxpayers.org. Email us at mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com
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