Where's the equity?

If anyone remembers the elderly lady in the Wendy's commercials saying, "Where's the Beef" then they will understand the question, "Where's the equity" when it comes to taxation in Hernando County? The Hernando County Commissioners grilled Sheriff Rich Nugent for deeper cuts for his budget, along with the rest of the constitutional officers on Wednesday. None of county commissioners bothered to check but the sheriff's department proposed budget is within the 3% allowable margin set by Governor Charlie Crist. It is unfortunate that the county commissioners were not as fiscally prudent on Tuesday when they voted to approve a 25% increase for the Chief Nickerson of Hernando County Fire Rescue District. Let's face it, the approved fee increase to HCFR far exceeds the limits set by Governor Crist. "Where's the equity, commissioners?"

Annie Williams, Supervisor of Elections is requesting a 20.32% increase in her budget to cover costs. Why? Didn't she save enough over the last five years when the county was flush with tax money to build up her reserves in a capital equipment account to run her department efficiently? "Where's the equity in this request, commissioners?"

During the public hearing for rate increase of Hernando County Fire Rescue, Commissioner David Russell stated that they (commissioners) would look really hard at recouping this $38.00 fee increase, with reductions elsewhere in the budget when he made his motion to approve their request. Does any recall Mr. Russell specifically asking the county administrator at the Wednesday budget workshop for this savings which would equate to approximately 0.40 mil (over their state mandated tax reductions) to compensate for this 25% fire fee increase to the taxpayers? "Where's the equity here, commissioners?"

Commissioner Kingsley was quoted in the Hernando Times this morning as saying, "Even a small increase is not the same as a budget cut which is not what the board requested" as he questioned the tax collector about her budget. Juanita Sikes is the only constitutional officer that has consistently returned money to the county coffers. "Where's the equity here, commissioners?"

Commissioner Rowden was empathetic when she stated on Tuesday that Spring Hill Fire Rescue charges a much lower rate than Hernando County fire Rescue when compared equally under a milage rate structure. Ms. Rowden had asked the budget director to run the figures and she stated that in comparison, SHFR charges 2.32 mil, with HCFR charging 2.65 mil. Incidentally, Chief J.J. Morrison needs to be commended for reducing their milage to this historic 2.32 mil in his proposed budget. Mind you, this 2.65 mil for HCFR does not even include the 25% fee increase just approved by the commissioners on Tuesday. "Where's the equity here, commissioners?"

Too bad the elderly lady for Wendy's isn't around now or she would be screaming, "Where's the Beef, commissioners?"