Letter to the Editor: So Who Pays?

The County Election Commission has been requesting a new building. The current building does not function well, and lacks secure storage area for ballots.

I have talked with my neighbors, commissioners, and have attended the commission meetings. I hear the frustration coming from all sides of the issue.

There seems to be 3 options.

Option #1

We can stay at the current location and add on to the building. The landlord is willing to do the improvements and would like a lease instead of month-to-month rent. All future repairs and maintenance to the building would fall on him and not the tax payers.

Option #2

We can remodel an existing building that is already paid for. Estimated cost for renovations would be around $300,000. The county is already paying for the maintenance and repairs to this building, so we are not adding another building to the county budget.

Option #3

We can construct a new building. This would require finding a location, site work, utilities, paving, erecting a building, and everything else that comes with new construction. The estimated cost on this building is closer $1M. It would also add another building to the county that would require maintenance and repairs in the future.

When you borrow money and your financial situation changes, you cut your budget, and do without to make the payments.

The county’s financial advisor has recommended that we not borrow money at this time. The State has also weighed in with the same recommendation. We all are aware of the pending law suits and no one knows how much they will affect our financial situation.

What will the County do? Cut services, layoff employes, raise taxes?

One way or another WE (the tax payers) will pay.

Call your Commissioner’s and let them know which option you are willing to pay for.

Karen Clayton

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