Just like all other public entities, the Saxonburg Area Authority ought to be trying to save every dollar that it can, especially since the authority has had to impose a sewage rate increase effective in March.

However, contrary to the need to save, the authority voted to give one employee an 11.4 percent pay increase, a portion of which will be paid by the borough, and another employee, a 7.4 percent pay hike.

That should trouble customers who will have to dole out additional money for service that, even without the increase, can be seen as expensive.

Jay Rinebolt, authority chairman, says the two pay hikes and other more-reasonable raises just approved don't amount to enough money to affect customer rates.

Even so, it's the principle involved. A public agency shouldn't in one breath cry poor-mouth to justify higher rates or taxes and then follow up by using some of that money for excessive raises or questionable purchases.

With agriculture maintaining an important role in Butler County's economy, it's refreshing when area companies jump aboard efforts aimed at benefiting the farming community.And, that's what Butler County Ford's participation in a scholarship effort that will benefit a Future Farmers of America member at either Moniteau or Knoch high schools is all about.Butler County Ford has joined with Ford Motor Co. in sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship that some future farmer will be able to use to broaden his or her knowledge about farming today and about what issues, challenges and new technologies lie ahead in that important profession. The recipient will be able to use the money for tuition at a college of the student's choice.To be eligible, FFA members must submit an application online at www.ffa.org by Feb. 15.A number of area businesses step forward to support the efforts of young members of this county's agriculture community by purchasing animals at the annual Butler Farm Show's livestock show and sale.Butler County Ford's participation in the current scholarship initiative adds another welcome dimension to the business community's support of agriculture.Hopefully, the student who receives the scholarship will become an important asset in maintaining agriculture's prominent place in this county's economy.

Republicans' return to control of the U.S. House of Representatives has already produced a positive development.When Democrats became the House majority in 2007, they eliminated a rule limiting committee chairmen to three two-year terms. Now, having regained control as a result of the Nov. 2 general election, the GOP is taking the commendable step of reimposing the committee chairmanship rule.Philip Blumel, president of the group U.S. Term Limits, was squarely on target when he observed that the American people “don't want congressional committee chairmen to become institutions unto themselves. Committee chairmen term limits will allow new blood to take leadership spots, and bring fresh ideas to key committees.”Support of the GOP plan by U.S. Term Limits comes as no surprise since the citizen organization continues to work on behalf of passage of legislative term limits across the country. But even without having achieved that goal, the organization was right in taking the lead in advocating return of the former chairmanship rule.Return of the rule isn't going to fix everything that's wrong with Congress. In fact, the change isn't likely to have ramifications that anyone would describe as monumental.However, it's a positive start for the newly in-control GOP, which should seek ways to make many more positive changes.

Many students of the Butler School District received a positive lesson on giving and community involvement this fall by way of their participation in efforts benefiting the Butler Health System's Caring Angel Program. The district's efforts, which also involved teachers and other staff members, raised $21,693 for Caring Angel, including $11,221 at the senior high school.It is to be hoped that what the students learned in this fundraising effort will translate to involvement in other worthy efforts during adulthood.While much of the district's Caring Angel fundraising revolved around fun events and activities, all of the participants should have reflected upon the seriousness of the need behind their efforts. Caring Angel helps fund Butler Memorial Hospital's family services, a support group for recovering young addicts, and emergency services for children whose parents do not have the financial resources to pay for them.Brian Slamecka, an assistant principal at the high school, reacting to the successful effort, especially at his school, said, “Not enough can be said about the work of the students and staff. The entire building really embraces this effort to support the community.”There are numerous opportunities at this time of the year and at other times when young people's energy can be the difference between great success and a lackluster result.With their Caring Angel experience as a foundation, Butler students should seek additional opportunities to put their energy to work on their community's behalf.