COUNTY: Eberlein on target

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln

At the county budget meeting we witnessed a vivid display of how power changes people. At issue was how much to raise the county's budget over last year. New construction revenue brought in almost $1 million (about 2 percent) so of course the budget HAS to increase by that much, ignoring the “economy of scale” rule where unit costs get lower as volume increases.

In addition to the 2 percent growth there is an additional 1.5 percent property tax growth in the budget? Why? Because the commissioners are either unwilling or unable to cut $664,410 from a budget of more than $84 million.

To his credit, commissioner Eberlein offered several common sense opportunities to cut about $700,000 without causing any reductions in services or pay. One suggestion was to recognize that the $720,000 wage adjustment (raises) pool was for 12 months BUT it would take, on average, six months to evaluate and allocate raises so only $360,000 is needed and the budget could be reduced by that amount. Both Bingham and Fillios argued against this obvious truth. Fillios even said he would work hard and get the raises done in two months (still leaving a budget surplus of $120,000).

Perhaps he could put that extra energy into saving tax money rather than spending it faster.

Retired persons, veterans, poor, elderly and those on fixed incomes are hardest hit by ANY tax increase. Even the loss of one dollar will move some from barely holding on to slowly drowning in expenses. Commissioner Eberlein showed that he is willing and that it is possible to have a zero property tax increase without adversely impacting any county services. Commissioners Bingham and Fillios need to be reminded that it is not their money to spend.

BRENT REGAN

Coeur d'Alene