Clayton Hill
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
Do you ever feel you are kicking a "dead horse?" I do - especially regarding spending by our local government entities - the city, the county and the school board. Yet, they all seem to ignore the desires of at least the tax-paying citizens.
The city responded again regarding "round X" of recent flooding: clean-up, hear local complaints, hold a meeting, explain funding shortfalls and piece-meal remedies while avoiding any long-term solutions all-the-while by over-funding parks at the expense of more important and essential public works' needs. I can't improve on a friend's recent letter similarly voiced.
Cole County Commission's decision to hire BKD to spend the COVID funding is equally irresponsible. We elect commissioners who are qualified, have common and business sense and supposedly have spending public funds without waste in their job descriptions. Their passing the decision to a consultant dodges that responsibility and is nothing more than cover and a waste of taxes. The previous letter's author questions the continued renewal of the city and county sales tax as do I until priorities are adjusted. At least Commissioner Jeff Holescher showed some backbone in his negative descent; he didn't think they should spend $611,000 outside the commission's purview as some county personnel could do the ARP processing. This spending advice does not need a CPA firm. Who is better to know our local needs than those who live here?
Regardless, all these local government entities have no problem spending our taxes as they see fit and not to our best interests. Grow the government, get grants and spend, spend, spend. I've kicked this horse before, and I do not expect it to come to life nor become any "deader." Should the sales tax be renewed? We think not. Some smart people have, and will continue to vote with their feet as they flee obtrusive, offensive and objectionable jurisdictions and districts - even at additional expenses such as private school tuitions, home school costs and less accessibility.