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Another needless loan

The Dec. 1 Butler Eagle reported Butler County’s decision to borrow yet another $7 million this month as a tax anticipation note.

It’s an interesting move after needlessly raising taxes this year by 3 mills, adding a cash flow of more than $5.2 million to the 2016 and 2017 revenues. The county also has an estimated, average revenue growth of $3.5 million next year, making it a combined windfall of $8.7 million for 2017.  

Very similar to a personal payday loan, the TAN is to be used to pay bills until the annual tax money starts flowing next April from county homeowners. The problem with it is that the county should already have saved revenue for reserves — easily done by cutting expenses — which commissioners really haven’t achieved.

It is amusing that commissioners paid an outside county financial adviser who reviewed the loan proposals from various banks, and then he recommended they take the lowest offer. Commissioner Kim Geyer said the decision was “pretty cut and dry.” Really? And you paid for that expertise? Why didn’t they rely on the experienced county controller for advice? The TAN needs were previously handled internally.

At the same time, it is rumored there will be no additional tax increase in 2017, mainly because of the huge tax increase enacted last January. The county’s new commissioners are continuing the tax and spend practices of the past: Remember the $20.5 million from the Sunnyview sale? Poof, all gone.

Will the county ever elect commissioners who understand budgets and taxpayer accountability? Remember, Butler County’s commissioners are the highest paid of all 4th class counties in Pennsylvania, with lavish benefits. Time to elect people with solid financial and management experience.

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