Stewardship needed

By Patrick Johnston
Published: May 12, 2008

You’ll be paying a penny more in sales tax within a few months.
OK, it’s not official, yet. But the chances of commissioners approving a sales tax increase later this year ranks with the chances that either Barack Obama or John McCain will be our next president. It’s pretty likely.
Alabama legislators have voted to give county commissioners free reign to approve such an increase without a vote of the people. We’re not wild about that idea. And we’re sure not happy about the fact that commissioners don’t seem willing to consider some sort of sunset provision, where voters could have a voice on whether to continue the increase after a specific period of time.
Our poorest residents will bear the brunt of the increase because they spend a larger percentage of their money on items that will be affected by the increase, such as food staples and over-the-counter medicines. Yes, we know many of our poorest residents receive some type of government assistance. But a Barbour countian doesn’t have to be on government assistance to struggle paying the bills.
However, we also understand our commission’s plight. There isn’t enough money to adequately fund the county - especially when the county has two courthouses. And do you really think Eufaula and Clayton will give up their courthouses without a fight?
If the county doesn’t receive more money soon, then there will be county employees who lose their jobs. And those employees who are fortunate enough to keep their jobs will remain underpaid.
Most of our commissioners have expressed significant support for the increase. If they approve the proposal, then we hope they are wise with our money.
That’s why we encourage commissioners to begin now determining how specifically they will spend the money. Develop a plan based on the county’s greatest needs. Be wise enough to make sound decisions, yet bold enough to invest in our future.
And welcome the public’s input. The City of Eufaula benefited tremendously from the input given during the Eufaula 2020 strategic planning process. Ordinary residents are continuing to play a key role in the future of the city. Commissioners and county officials should also seek comments - positive and negative - from the 29,000 individuals who call the county home.
We were very disappointed with how they handled suggestions at an earlier forum in Eufaula. When a couple of community leaders made what we thought were valid comments about the sunset provision, there were some commissioners who were more offended than attentive.
There’s room for differing opinions on how the money should be spent. Healthy dialogue will benefit all residents.
If commissioners spend the money wisely, then our county will be a better place to live. We’ll thank commissioners for their bold leadership.
But if they don’t spend the money wisely, then it might not be long before a new group of commissioners takes office.