Joe wrote: Seems risky to spend $4million of the reserves with the uncertain future we are facing. They should offer a detailed explanation at the least.
Joe, isn't the future always uncertain?
Does anyone know the size of Park County reserve? If they are drawing down $4M from a $100M reserve that is less of a concern than drawing down $4M from a $12M reserve.
I didn't realize Park had a reserve, so I applaud the former politicians that built the reserve.
Either way... it's spending. The reserve doesn't change the fact that they are doing what they are doing. But thanks for the deflection.
What do you think a reserve is for?
My opinion
The whole reason for reserves by any entity is to have something to fall back on during times of short fall or when revenue doesn't meet expenses. Similar to what most families do.
Until CO passes a balanced budget law similar to VA, then we will have years when the reserve is funded and years when we draw against the reserve. If the county had went $4M over and decided to issue a $4 bond like a lot of communities do, then it would be something to get excited over.
In closing my post was not a deflection, it was a question about how large is the reserve.
Popcorn Eater wrote: Isn't this to pay for all the stuff the public (you and me) ask for. We could pony up and pay the $4,000,000 we are short, they are spending the money on us after all.
Perhaps one should start a balanced budget referendum for the county?....oh wait that would involve more than posting on the internet...and we all know that no citizen has ever ever in the Park County's history ever been passionate enough about anything enough to start a referendum, why would we start with a measly $4mil overage that most people are glad to pay in the future or put off to future generations (the new American Way).
So we have essentially said build us lots of stuff, spend lots of money on anything....no matter what, we will not do anything more than internet posting to the same 14 people, so you can get away with anything you want.
This is by design people, our design. Now just shut up and pay your higher taxes, they only went up 20% last year, so we are due for an increase..and just pray that we don't kill anymore worker for this year's new buildings (2 currently going up and the one they are planning) like we have already killed in our lust for better schools that were not needed and we cannot afford.
Well stated, and we can be an apathetic population, but they also have not built us much at least not here in the Crow Hill vicinity. I would still like to see Bailey become incorporated.
I don't think we are an "apathetic" population.
They spend more and more and we get less and less.
I didn't get a raise this year....just the opposite.
I had to tighten my belt and live within my means.
I am amazed that anyone other than a county employee could justify what they are doing.
I'm not a county employee and I'm could be OK with what they are doing if they have a large reserve.
I do recall the county employees have went without a raise for a couple of years. Where is the line between not giving raises and loosing decent employees?
Becky, as I recall you are self employed so no one can give you a raise but yourself.
You are correct. But the economy is such that what I sell is a luxury that people opt to live without in uncertain times. They tighten their belt and save for such purchases.
I don't have a problem with the raises as much as I have a problem with the spending of funds that we don't currently have. I have not seen responsible decision making by the current board of commissioners.
My parents saved for things and put money away for a rainy day. They taught that philosophy me and in times of hardship.....it will save your backside.
Governments....whether they are federal or local should heed that philosophy.
I am no fan of the BOCC. I think they are serial spenders with no conscience about their responsibility to the residents of Park County.
That being said,
My parents saved for things and put money away for a rainy day. They taught that philosophy me and in times of hardship.....it will save your backside.
Aren't the reserves just that -- money put away for a rainy day? My concern is that Tighe and his cohorts are unwilling to cut back and hold off on sucking out of the reserves until there are no other options. They got on a building jag and just couldn't stop, they bought new furniture for the Comm building instead of using what was currently in use, etc. They seem to look at the reserves as a piggy bank as opposed to a source of last resort. And don't even get me started on that money pit called the jail.
Well said Mtn Gramma
How much have they already dipped into reserves? How long will they continue.
They just don't seem to be on the same reality plane as those of us who are struggling to make ends meet are.
I like what BOTH you and Becky had to say.. now my question When are the good, solid citizens of Park County join forces to fight this kind of stuff and get the SPEND ALOTS out??
I like what BOTH you and Becky had to say.. now my question When are the good, solid citizens of Park County join forces to fight this kind of stuff and get the SPEND ALOTS out??
