We’ve done an open records request to get a copy of the proposed budget that was given to the county commissioners when the budget hearings began so that taxpayers can see the same information they’re using for budget discussions.
We heard from Commissioner Paces last Wednesday night about the status of the budget and the disaster known as the animal control facility. Turns out what voters approved supposedly didn’t include actual kennels for the animals among other items for the inside of the facility putting it $1 million OVER BUDGET! The overruns are for high end stainless steel kennels, more office space, and a bathroom with a shower. How quaint. Seriously? Our tax dollars and debt for a generation or more for this thing has a shower for employees? How is that a necessity?
So what’s our message on the pet shelter? People over animals! If the folks pushing for a Cadillac animal facility didn’t have the foresight or honesty to include all the essentials in that big fat initial price tag of $5.4 million, then too bad! Taxpayers cannot afford largesse for animals, especially when they’re struggling to make ends meet, keep food on the table and gas in their tanks.
PUBLIC TRANSIT IN KERRVILLE?
Other budget concerns involve more employee pay raises and, generally, increasing spending, which, in turn, means higher property taxes. One of the unnecessary spending line items involves the county joining the city in funding a public transit system in Kerrville.
First, transit doesn’t work in rural areas or any area, really, with perhaps two exceptions – the NY/tristate area and Washington D.C. The Census Bureau reports less than 2% of people commute using transit. Over 95% travel by car, and less than 2% each use transit, walk or ride a bike.
The LAST thing Kerrville needs is a public transit system.
Second, there’s already ART, Kerr Konnect and other ride share programs for those that absolutely need it.
Third, no public transit system pays for itself with just the fares transit users pay at the fare box. All require MASSIVE government subsidies – FOREVER! That means YOUR tax dollars going down another government sink hole. Do you think the handouts for EV buses by the federal government is perhaps fueling this sudden urge by so many schools, transit agencies, and local governments to fall all over themselves to spend money on transit? For buses that cost 3 times more than diesel-powered buses? Buses where the battery replacement costs are in the thousands? Not to mention the publicly-funded charging stations and subsequent strain on our power grid to keep them moving.
Even if it’s to purchase gas-powered buses, who wants to get stuck behind buses? Imagine the delays of waiting for people to get on and off while a bus suddenly stops and clogs up all the traffic in your lane while you wait? Once again, read about the 15 minute city utopia of the Left to connect the dots on how this is big government’s way to eventually force you out of your car and into government-controlled mass transit, onto a bike or be stuck walking everywhere. Think intentionally slower speed limits, deference to buses over cars, rationing vehicle lanes to prioritize buses, special curbing and dedicated lanes just for cyclists, etc.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU
OR YOUR TAXES WILL GO UP
& YOUR LIBERTY WILL SHRINK!
Tell them no pay raises, no luxury pet shelter, no transit, and pass a no new revenue tax rate budget. Taxpayers need and deserve meaningful tax relief!
Even better, attend commissioners court
Monday, July 22
starts at 9 AM
Kerr County Courthouse
In person is the MOST effective way to weigh-in. They need to see and hear from struggling families, business owners, young workers, and retirees (that have helplessly watched their retirement accounts disappear) — all of the above.
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