The Candidates: Kosciusko County Council At-Large
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
Joshua Bartman
Democrat
Joshua Bartman, 30, is a Second District Young Democrats chair and with Third District Youth Outreach.
1. In a word, Infrastructure. We have seen some much- needed work done in the city’s corporation limits, but once you get outside city limits, the infrastructure corrodes into an embarrassing mess. Too often I hear of the stories of commuters, frustrated with the condition county roads are in and the wear and tear it puts on their cars. If there’s one thing we should do, it’s making it easier to get to work. I realize that with dwindling county income, sacrifices need to be made, and I’m all for making those sacrifices, but they need to be made areas that would be considered luxuries, but making sure our communities most basic needs should not be on the table.
2. I currently serve as the Young Democratic chair for Kosciusko County and Indiana Second Congressional District. I also work with the state party organizing young people in the Third Congressional District. I served for one year as the communications director for The Indiana Young Democrats and have been the county director for several local and national campaigns over the last few years. My involvement in these activities has given me an in-depth perspective into the complex needs of the earnest, hardworking and devoted people of this county. As a fellow taxpayer I feel that our local government could benefit from the perspective of us of lower or moderate income. I think we are more suited to living on a fixed budget, making the most out of what we have and making the right sacrifices when necessary.
3. I think there is a lot of money out there to be saved, but I don’t think we are doing it in the right places. I think the council needs to take a hard look at the budget and identify the real luxuries it contains. It would be presumptuous of me to list off a bunch of items that seem unimportant to me without sitting down and reviewing the ins and outs of each expense with county officials. As I’ve said before, the state of our near gravel county roads and deteriorating infrastructure lead me to believe that the spending needs to be evaluated. I don’t think we should be afraid to accept funds that trickle down from the state or federal government when they are available. Turning our noses up at these opportunities as a source of pride solves nothing and only serves our egos when we should be serving our neighbors.
4. This fund is not set up to sit in an account forever, untouched. Of course there will be emergency situations that arise in which it would be imperative that we dip into it. Again I refuse to speculate as to what the best use of these funds would be. Doing so would cause unnecessary opposition to hypothetical situations. These funds must be used only for the most important issues, emergencies as determined by an informed and thoughtful council of the county’s faithful and committed citizens.
Lee Ann Brown
Democrat
Lee Ann Brown, 34, is the co-chair of the Kosciusko County Democratic Party and works in manufacturing.
1. I feel the challenges in the next four years will be things we have struggled with for the last eight years. We need to set priorities for our spending in areas of infrastructure to help increase our marketability to bring in new businesses and good paying jobs, all while making sure we’re not losing essential services. This is a difficult job to do normally but with the decreasing funding the county receives it makes the choices tougher.
As I travel, I see other counties bringing in more and more businesses, and I wonder; what is it that those counties have that Kosciusko doesn’t? Why are we not seeing it here? I would also work more with the Visitors Bureau to see what we can do to increase tourism to our county.
2. I’m a taxpayer who has always taken an active interest in government, and as co-chair of the Kosciusko County Democratic Party I’ve been able to do more. I also feel that it’s important to get some diversity to the council, not just because I’m a woman and can bring a different perspective to issues, but also I come from a working background. I know what it’s like to try to keep a family going on a budget. I understand needing to get the most from the dollars we have, but I also know what the services we have means to the people they serve.
3. I feel we need to look at each budget on a case-by-case basis. I would need to listen to the county officials, and the people who would be most affected by cuts to see what the benefit and detractions will be before I would make an exact list. We do have things that in the current financial climate seem to be luxuries, but our roads should never be considered one of them.
4. I have always felt our government worked best when we saved during the good times, so we could make it through the lean times, and it’s great that Kosciusko has done this. However, just having it to say we have it does no good, I’m not saying we shouldn’t be prudent with the funds, but there is no sense in standing in a monsoon because we don’t want to get the floor wet. The tough times won’t last forever and the idea of a rainy day fund is to get you through till they are done.
Thomas Anglin - Incumbent
Republican
Thomas Anglin, 80, is the co-owner of Clunette Elevator.
1. With less state and federal money reaching the counties, we will have to evaluate how every single dollar is spent to make sure we are providing the best services we can for our citizens.
2. I believe I have used good judgement on the council in the past when faced with difficult decisions and would like to continue to serve in that fashion.
3. We have a very good staff of elected office holders and I think we can meet with them to see if any cuts may be made.
4. That fund speaks for itself and used for emergency funding only.
Robert Jessop Beer
Republican
Robert Jessop Beer, 68, is the owner of Beer’s and Jessop’s.
1. The economy and taxes.
2. I have been involved in family business most of life. I have been precinct committeeman for over 30 years and have served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for many years.
3. In order to cut spending, have all county departments adhere to a budget. By reducing the waste of resources is, electricity, fuel, and office supplies. by doing this, we can maintain the services too the public "waste not-- want not."
4. I would only spend the rainy-day fund as a last resort.
Sean Boylan
Republican
Sean Boylan, 29, is the owner of STC Tower Developments, Inc.
1. I see the biggest challenge facing the council, not just over the next four years, but as an ongoing issue, is that of maintaining the lower tax rate the current council has worked very hard to integrate. With property values diminishing and the resultant tax revenue decreasing there could be difficult times and decisions ahead and that requires forward thinking minds of all councilmen, not just the elected at-large positions. I would encourage the council, whether I am voted in or not to work hand in hand with the commissioners and the City of Warsaw to continue attracting businesses outside of the ortho industry. This county can not continue to depend on and use them as a crutch of employment and tax revenue.
2. I am not a politician and I have said that from the day I filed my declaration for candidacy. I was encouraged to run by appointed and elected officials that said my experience in the private and public sector could serve this county well. I have three children aged 5 or younger and just built a home here after living eight years in the city limits. My roots are here, my future is here, and maintaining an economically viable future not just for me, or my kids, but for everyone is the only reason I am running.
3. The fundamental role of county councilman is to approve/deny governmental department budgets and levy tax rates. With the state dictating the tax rates of assessed values the council is truly the voice of reason to ensure each governmental department is spending according to its needs, not wants. The burden of truth lies on each departmental head to ensure that the budget presented is accurate and representative of the needs and not wants. It's a fine line and sometimes unpopular decisions are required but it's the sum of all that is greater than the individual parts.
4. As a small business owner myself, I forever walk a fine line of paying off debt from my personal rainy day fund versus calculating a risk and pursuing for the interest of a better future. This is a very difficult question to answer broadly because it would always, for me personally and morally be a case-by-case issue as a singular voice of seven members. One to which I look forward to.
Robert Sanders - Incumbent
Republican
Robert Sanders, 64, is the president of Bodkin Abstract Co. Inc.
1. In a nutshell, the biggest challenge the county faces is the unknown. From year to year we never know what federal or state mandates we will have to comply with and pay for. Often the government starts a program with funds but then decreases its contribution, leaving the county to find money to continue the program. The property tax cap and the decreasing home values are also affecting the amount of tax dollars we receive to pay county bills. Even our county option tax money has decreased as folks have lost their jobs.
The county has been given mandates to keep our bridges and culverts in repair, which combined number about 550. We all agree we want our bridges to be safe. However, we are seeing less state and federal gas tax funds being returned to our local governments to help pay for those repairs. Meanwhile material costs keep rising and inflation has decreased the value of what we can buy with a dollar.
The 9-1-1 emergency response center is operating without enough funds to support it. Recently passed state legislation may provide some additional revenue, but not enough.
Another area of concern is the roughly 12 percent increase we have seen in health insurance costs to cover our 271 employees and their families.
The ongoing challenge is to make sound financial decisions while keeping taxes low for our families and yet still provide the services we all expect.
2. My 33 years as president of Bodkin Abstract Co. Inc. has taught me how to ride the waves of good and bad economic times. Our family business has been greatly affected by the current real estate downturn, and we have had to manage our money carefully and wisely. I have taken that same approach when making decisions with the taxpayer’s money these last eight years. Under the watchful eyes of the current council, Kosciusko County has achieved the fifth lowest tax rate in the state, according to the 2011 Indiana Farm Bureau Report.
Learning the mechanics of county government and finances takes considerable time. We have two new councilmen who took office in 2011, and we will soon have another “newbie” when John Kinsey’s position is filled. I decided to run for one more term because I felt a genuine duty to share the knowledge and experience that I have gained these past eight years.
My involvement with civic and charitable organizations gives me the opportunity to talk and listen to lots of folks. I am the county’s liaison to the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, the CVB, the Lakeland Regional Sewer District, and the Michiana Area Council of Governments. I am in contact with community leaders and volunteers who are working hard to attract and keep businesses, encourage new entrepreneurs, attract conventioneers and tourists, keep our waterways clean, and bring road and bridge repair dollars here.
3. Common sense would say that with less money reaching the county, we would first look for even more efficiency, productivity, and accountability throughout our county government departments. The recent announcement of the opening of the healthcare clinic for county employees is an initiative to reduce the rising health care costs.
Another course of action is to bring more money to the county. We need to look for more federal and state grant opportunities. A successful example is our investment in MACOG. Our involvement with that organization has resulted in over 10 million dollars in funds coming to our county to use for road repair over the last eight years.
The county’s investment in the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO), has resulted in an experienced full-time director being hired who is exploring the development of shovel-ready ground and spec buildings to attract new business, which will add to our tax base.
Orthoworx also has several initiatives underway to make our county more attractive to new businesses.
I will keep looking and listening for new ideas and opportunities to seek additional funds to replace the diminishing state and federal revenues.
4.I feel strongly that the rainy day funds should be kept for emergencies, and not used for day-to-day operations. A sound financial practice for all families and businesses is to have a savings account for those unplanned expenses or a disaster that may fall upon us.
As I mentioned earlier, the council is never certain how much money will be available to spend until we actually receive it. With the current state of the economy, it is vital to our county’s stability to maintain a rainy day fund…and the responsible thing to do.
Larry Teghtmeyer - Incumbent
Republican
Larry Teghtmeyer, 67, is the owner of Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware stores.
1. There are three main areas that have been and I believe will continue to be challenging. First, Kosciusko County has over 1200 miles of paved roads and the cost of paving material has increased substantially as a result of high oil prices. High gas prices have led to decreased usage resulting in lower revenue from the gas tax. The result is that the county is experiencing difficulty keeping our roads maintained properly and has needed to supplement maintenance with other funds. Secondly, with our lakes and rich agricultural and industrial heritage, the county needs to be careful not to become complacent about economic development. As the council appointee to the Kosciusko Redevelopment Commission, I realize involvement with and support of organizations focusing on local economic development are vitally important. The county and these groups working in cooperation with local communities will ensure that we will continue to have good paying jobs in the future. Finally, the scourge associated with illegal drugs has caused a huge burden on the sheriff’s department and courts. This is a big task that needs council support as they continue the fight against illegal drugs.
2. I was a district county councilman from 1975 to 1995 and am currently serving a third term as councilman at large. With my council and long term business experience and history of studying issues carefully, I am prepared to make the important decisions which are critical to the county. I have promoted prudent use of taxpayers’ money which has resulted in Kosciusko County having one of the lowest property tax rates in the state while maintaining a healthy financial condition.
3. The real threat regarding revenue comes from lower real estate values affecting property tax revenue, loss of interest income from investments made between property tax distributions, and lower income tax revenue due to current economic conditions. We are fortunate that in recent years our county commissioners, elected officials, and department heads have done an outstanding job of controlling costs. Because of cooperation in containing costs, I don’t believe services will have to be cut. However, the council always needs to be diligent in ferreting out any wasteful spending and encouraging innovative cost saving ideas so that our taxpayers derive good value for their tax dollars.
4.This fund was created and named several years ago by the state after finding that they had not fully distributed local income taxes to counties. Then, about two years ago counties were told that an over distribution was made and money would have to be paid back. Just recently we learned the state has found more undistributed county money. Historically the state has not consistently and accurately distributed local income tax funds. Fortunately at this time the net result has been a surplus they named the rainy day fund. Due to this uncertainty in revenue receipts and depressed economic conditions, it’s been good to know that this money is there and I don’t believe any of it should be spent at this time. When more stable economic conditions return and we are convinced that the money is still available, there are many areas where the funds could be put to good use. For example, there are much needed highway improvements that could be made, economic development projects could get started with the funds being paid back upon project completion, or the funds could be used to lower taxes. Understanding that this is taxpayers’ money, possibly a surplus over what was budgeted several years ago, the commissioners and the council need to use these funds prudently for the taxpayers benefit. The funds should never be used to grow budgets.
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Joshua Bartman
Democrat
Joshua Bartman, 30, is a Second District Young Democrats chair and with Third District Youth Outreach.
1. In a word, Infrastructure. We have seen some much- needed work done in the city’s corporation limits, but once you get outside city limits, the infrastructure corrodes into an embarrassing mess. Too often I hear of the stories of commuters, frustrated with the condition county roads are in and the wear and tear it puts on their cars. If there’s one thing we should do, it’s making it easier to get to work. I realize that with dwindling county income, sacrifices need to be made, and I’m all for making those sacrifices, but they need to be made areas that would be considered luxuries, but making sure our communities most basic needs should not be on the table.
2. I currently serve as the Young Democratic chair for Kosciusko County and Indiana Second Congressional District. I also work with the state party organizing young people in the Third Congressional District. I served for one year as the communications director for The Indiana Young Democrats and have been the county director for several local and national campaigns over the last few years. My involvement in these activities has given me an in-depth perspective into the complex needs of the earnest, hardworking and devoted people of this county. As a fellow taxpayer I feel that our local government could benefit from the perspective of us of lower or moderate income. I think we are more suited to living on a fixed budget, making the most out of what we have and making the right sacrifices when necessary.
3. I think there is a lot of money out there to be saved, but I don’t think we are doing it in the right places. I think the council needs to take a hard look at the budget and identify the real luxuries it contains. It would be presumptuous of me to list off a bunch of items that seem unimportant to me without sitting down and reviewing the ins and outs of each expense with county officials. As I’ve said before, the state of our near gravel county roads and deteriorating infrastructure lead me to believe that the spending needs to be evaluated. I don’t think we should be afraid to accept funds that trickle down from the state or federal government when they are available. Turning our noses up at these opportunities as a source of pride solves nothing and only serves our egos when we should be serving our neighbors.
4. This fund is not set up to sit in an account forever, untouched. Of course there will be emergency situations that arise in which it would be imperative that we dip into it. Again I refuse to speculate as to what the best use of these funds would be. Doing so would cause unnecessary opposition to hypothetical situations. These funds must be used only for the most important issues, emergencies as determined by an informed and thoughtful council of the county’s faithful and committed citizens.
Lee Ann Brown
Democrat
Lee Ann Brown, 34, is the co-chair of the Kosciusko County Democratic Party and works in manufacturing.
1. I feel the challenges in the next four years will be things we have struggled with for the last eight years. We need to set priorities for our spending in areas of infrastructure to help increase our marketability to bring in new businesses and good paying jobs, all while making sure we’re not losing essential services. This is a difficult job to do normally but with the decreasing funding the county receives it makes the choices tougher.
As I travel, I see other counties bringing in more and more businesses, and I wonder; what is it that those counties have that Kosciusko doesn’t? Why are we not seeing it here? I would also work more with the Visitors Bureau to see what we can do to increase tourism to our county.
2. I’m a taxpayer who has always taken an active interest in government, and as co-chair of the Kosciusko County Democratic Party I’ve been able to do more. I also feel that it’s important to get some diversity to the council, not just because I’m a woman and can bring a different perspective to issues, but also I come from a working background. I know what it’s like to try to keep a family going on a budget. I understand needing to get the most from the dollars we have, but I also know what the services we have means to the people they serve.
3. I feel we need to look at each budget on a case-by-case basis. I would need to listen to the county officials, and the people who would be most affected by cuts to see what the benefit and detractions will be before I would make an exact list. We do have things that in the current financial climate seem to be luxuries, but our roads should never be considered one of them.
4. I have always felt our government worked best when we saved during the good times, so we could make it through the lean times, and it’s great that Kosciusko has done this. However, just having it to say we have it does no good, I’m not saying we shouldn’t be prudent with the funds, but there is no sense in standing in a monsoon because we don’t want to get the floor wet. The tough times won’t last forever and the idea of a rainy day fund is to get you through till they are done.
Thomas Anglin - Incumbent
Republican
Thomas Anglin, 80, is the co-owner of Clunette Elevator.
1. With less state and federal money reaching the counties, we will have to evaluate how every single dollar is spent to make sure we are providing the best services we can for our citizens.
2. I believe I have used good judgement on the council in the past when faced with difficult decisions and would like to continue to serve in that fashion.
3. We have a very good staff of elected office holders and I think we can meet with them to see if any cuts may be made.
4. That fund speaks for itself and used for emergency funding only.
Robert Jessop Beer
Republican
Robert Jessop Beer, 68, is the owner of Beer’s and Jessop’s.
1. The economy and taxes.
2. I have been involved in family business most of life. I have been precinct committeeman for over 30 years and have served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for many years.
3. In order to cut spending, have all county departments adhere to a budget. By reducing the waste of resources is, electricity, fuel, and office supplies. by doing this, we can maintain the services too the public "waste not-- want not."
4. I would only spend the rainy-day fund as a last resort.
Sean Boylan
Republican
Sean Boylan, 29, is the owner of STC Tower Developments, Inc.
1. I see the biggest challenge facing the council, not just over the next four years, but as an ongoing issue, is that of maintaining the lower tax rate the current council has worked very hard to integrate. With property values diminishing and the resultant tax revenue decreasing there could be difficult times and decisions ahead and that requires forward thinking minds of all councilmen, not just the elected at-large positions. I would encourage the council, whether I am voted in or not to work hand in hand with the commissioners and the City of Warsaw to continue attracting businesses outside of the ortho industry. This county can not continue to depend on and use them as a crutch of employment and tax revenue.
2. I am not a politician and I have said that from the day I filed my declaration for candidacy. I was encouraged to run by appointed and elected officials that said my experience in the private and public sector could serve this county well. I have three children aged 5 or younger and just built a home here after living eight years in the city limits. My roots are here, my future is here, and maintaining an economically viable future not just for me, or my kids, but for everyone is the only reason I am running.
3. The fundamental role of county councilman is to approve/deny governmental department budgets and levy tax rates. With the state dictating the tax rates of assessed values the council is truly the voice of reason to ensure each governmental department is spending according to its needs, not wants. The burden of truth lies on each departmental head to ensure that the budget presented is accurate and representative of the needs and not wants. It's a fine line and sometimes unpopular decisions are required but it's the sum of all that is greater than the individual parts.
4. As a small business owner myself, I forever walk a fine line of paying off debt from my personal rainy day fund versus calculating a risk and pursuing for the interest of a better future. This is a very difficult question to answer broadly because it would always, for me personally and morally be a case-by-case issue as a singular voice of seven members. One to which I look forward to.
Robert Sanders - Incumbent
Republican
Robert Sanders, 64, is the president of Bodkin Abstract Co. Inc.
1. In a nutshell, the biggest challenge the county faces is the unknown. From year to year we never know what federal or state mandates we will have to comply with and pay for. Often the government starts a program with funds but then decreases its contribution, leaving the county to find money to continue the program. The property tax cap and the decreasing home values are also affecting the amount of tax dollars we receive to pay county bills. Even our county option tax money has decreased as folks have lost their jobs.
The county has been given mandates to keep our bridges and culverts in repair, which combined number about 550. We all agree we want our bridges to be safe. However, we are seeing less state and federal gas tax funds being returned to our local governments to help pay for those repairs. Meanwhile material costs keep rising and inflation has decreased the value of what we can buy with a dollar.
The 9-1-1 emergency response center is operating without enough funds to support it. Recently passed state legislation may provide some additional revenue, but not enough.
Another area of concern is the roughly 12 percent increase we have seen in health insurance costs to cover our 271 employees and their families.
The ongoing challenge is to make sound financial decisions while keeping taxes low for our families and yet still provide the services we all expect.
2. My 33 years as president of Bodkin Abstract Co. Inc. has taught me how to ride the waves of good and bad economic times. Our family business has been greatly affected by the current real estate downturn, and we have had to manage our money carefully and wisely. I have taken that same approach when making decisions with the taxpayer’s money these last eight years. Under the watchful eyes of the current council, Kosciusko County has achieved the fifth lowest tax rate in the state, according to the 2011 Indiana Farm Bureau Report.
Learning the mechanics of county government and finances takes considerable time. We have two new councilmen who took office in 2011, and we will soon have another “newbie” when John Kinsey’s position is filled. I decided to run for one more term because I felt a genuine duty to share the knowledge and experience that I have gained these past eight years.
My involvement with civic and charitable organizations gives me the opportunity to talk and listen to lots of folks. I am the county’s liaison to the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, the CVB, the Lakeland Regional Sewer District, and the Michiana Area Council of Governments. I am in contact with community leaders and volunteers who are working hard to attract and keep businesses, encourage new entrepreneurs, attract conventioneers and tourists, keep our waterways clean, and bring road and bridge repair dollars here.
3. Common sense would say that with less money reaching the county, we would first look for even more efficiency, productivity, and accountability throughout our county government departments. The recent announcement of the opening of the healthcare clinic for county employees is an initiative to reduce the rising health care costs.
Another course of action is to bring more money to the county. We need to look for more federal and state grant opportunities. A successful example is our investment in MACOG. Our involvement with that organization has resulted in over 10 million dollars in funds coming to our county to use for road repair over the last eight years.
The county’s investment in the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO), has resulted in an experienced full-time director being hired who is exploring the development of shovel-ready ground and spec buildings to attract new business, which will add to our tax base.
Orthoworx also has several initiatives underway to make our county more attractive to new businesses.
I will keep looking and listening for new ideas and opportunities to seek additional funds to replace the diminishing state and federal revenues.
4.I feel strongly that the rainy day funds should be kept for emergencies, and not used for day-to-day operations. A sound financial practice for all families and businesses is to have a savings account for those unplanned expenses or a disaster that may fall upon us.
As I mentioned earlier, the council is never certain how much money will be available to spend until we actually receive it. With the current state of the economy, it is vital to our county’s stability to maintain a rainy day fund…and the responsible thing to do.
Larry Teghtmeyer - Incumbent
Republican
Larry Teghtmeyer, 67, is the owner of Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware stores.
1. There are three main areas that have been and I believe will continue to be challenging. First, Kosciusko County has over 1200 miles of paved roads and the cost of paving material has increased substantially as a result of high oil prices. High gas prices have led to decreased usage resulting in lower revenue from the gas tax. The result is that the county is experiencing difficulty keeping our roads maintained properly and has needed to supplement maintenance with other funds. Secondly, with our lakes and rich agricultural and industrial heritage, the county needs to be careful not to become complacent about economic development. As the council appointee to the Kosciusko Redevelopment Commission, I realize involvement with and support of organizations focusing on local economic development are vitally important. The county and these groups working in cooperation with local communities will ensure that we will continue to have good paying jobs in the future. Finally, the scourge associated with illegal drugs has caused a huge burden on the sheriff’s department and courts. This is a big task that needs council support as they continue the fight against illegal drugs.
2. I was a district county councilman from 1975 to 1995 and am currently serving a third term as councilman at large. With my council and long term business experience and history of studying issues carefully, I am prepared to make the important decisions which are critical to the county. I have promoted prudent use of taxpayers’ money which has resulted in Kosciusko County having one of the lowest property tax rates in the state while maintaining a healthy financial condition.
3. The real threat regarding revenue comes from lower real estate values affecting property tax revenue, loss of interest income from investments made between property tax distributions, and lower income tax revenue due to current economic conditions. We are fortunate that in recent years our county commissioners, elected officials, and department heads have done an outstanding job of controlling costs. Because of cooperation in containing costs, I don’t believe services will have to be cut. However, the council always needs to be diligent in ferreting out any wasteful spending and encouraging innovative cost saving ideas so that our taxpayers derive good value for their tax dollars.
4.This fund was created and named several years ago by the state after finding that they had not fully distributed local income taxes to counties. Then, about two years ago counties were told that an over distribution was made and money would have to be paid back. Just recently we learned the state has found more undistributed county money. Historically the state has not consistently and accurately distributed local income tax funds. Fortunately at this time the net result has been a surplus they named the rainy day fund. Due to this uncertainty in revenue receipts and depressed economic conditions, it’s been good to know that this money is there and I don’t believe any of it should be spent at this time. When more stable economic conditions return and we are convinced that the money is still available, there are many areas where the funds could be put to good use. For example, there are much needed highway improvements that could be made, economic development projects could get started with the funds being paid back upon project completion, or the funds could be used to lower taxes. Understanding that this is taxpayers’ money, possibly a surplus over what was budgeted several years ago, the commissioners and the council need to use these funds prudently for the taxpayers benefit. The funds should never be used to grow budgets.
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