From Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Lafayette County
To the editor:
The article "Staff Added Despite Cuts" that appeared in the Sept. 27, 2012, issue of the Republican Journal states that $424,000 must be cut from the county's budget. This statement raises two important questions regarding county budget issues. Why is there a shortfall and where is the $700,000-plus confirmed savings?
The article states that even after cuts have been made, there remains a $139,000 shortfall. Is the proposed solution to cut two Land Conservation employees to account for this shortfall a wise decision? Much of Lafayette County's economy is based on agriculture and agricultural related services. While there may be farmers who do not need the resources of the Land Conservation Department, there are many farmers who utilize their services. In addition to the many services the department provides, the Land Conservation Department is charged with the responsibility of capping abandoned wells and the conservation of the county's soil resources. The Democratic Party of Lafayette County supports land conservation as an investment not an expense.
The second, and possibly the most interesting question, stems from an ad placed in the May 31, 2012, issue of the Republican Journal paid for by the Republican Party of Lafayette County, John Hess, Treasurer. This ad, citing the Lafayette County Board Chair as its source, states that "It's been confirmed Lafayette County government will save $700,000-plus this year alone." If there is indeed a $700,000-plus savings, why is the County Board considering $424,000 in cuts?
It is the position of the Democratic Party of Lafayette County that the Lafayette County Board needs to accurately, truthfully, and transparently relate budget issues to the citizens of the county. The Board must account for and use any $700,000-plus confirmed savings to maintain essential programs and services and provide tax relief to the citizens of Lafayette County.
To the editor:
The article "Staff Added Despite Cuts" that appeared in the Sept. 27, 2012, issue of the Republican Journal states that $424,000 must be cut from the county's budget. This statement raises two important questions regarding county budget issues. Why is there a shortfall and where is the $700,000-plus confirmed savings?
The article states that even after cuts have been made, there remains a $139,000 shortfall. Is the proposed solution to cut two Land Conservation employees to account for this shortfall a wise decision? Much of Lafayette County's economy is based on agriculture and agricultural related services. While there may be farmers who do not need the resources of the Land Conservation Department, there are many farmers who utilize their services. In addition to the many services the department provides, the Land Conservation Department is charged with the responsibility of capping abandoned wells and the conservation of the county's soil resources. The Democratic Party of Lafayette County supports land conservation as an investment not an expense.
The second, and possibly the most interesting question, stems from an ad placed in the May 31, 2012, issue of the Republican Journal paid for by the Republican Party of Lafayette County, John Hess, Treasurer. This ad, citing the Lafayette County Board Chair as its source, states that "It's been confirmed Lafayette County government will save $700,000-plus this year alone." If there is indeed a $700,000-plus savings, why is the County Board considering $424,000 in cuts?
It is the position of the Democratic Party of Lafayette County that the Lafayette County Board needs to accurately, truthfully, and transparently relate budget issues to the citizens of the county. The Board must account for and use any $700,000-plus confirmed savings to maintain essential programs and services and provide tax relief to the citizens of Lafayette County.
