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Recently we were chastised for accepting a figure quoted in the local press and then using it in an article on the high cost of school capital improvement projects. If the cost of Jensen Beach High School is actually less than $60 million rather than the $70 million we accepted and repeated, we apologize. However, we hope that in focusing on this example, one of several used, County officials do not miss the larger point we are trying to make: spending, by all government entities within Martin County must be brought under control. Their incessant search for new sources of income must give way to a hunt for ways to reduce costs while continuing to provide essential services. It is literally impossible for spending by of local governments to continue to accelerate at its current pace without serious damage to the standard of living of many residents.

Our County population has increased from approximately 114,000 in 1995 to some 140,000 this year -- less than 2.5% per year. Inflation during the period has been extremely low, averaging about the same 2.5%. In 1995, the Board of County Commissioners’ budget was $135.7 million. The budget just approved for 2006 is over $390 million, nearly 3 times greater. We are awaiting validated student enrollment data, budget information and Capital Improvement plans from the School Board, but we anticipate similar growth rates.

With this level of increased spending, why has there been no sense of concern among the general public? There was no outcry when the nearly $400 million County Administration budget passed. The City of Stuart approved a large increase in ad valorum rates on top of a 15-20% increase in property values. Only a hand full of residents bothered to attend the well-advertised Commission meetings debating the increase.

The main reason is probably the excellent level of service provided by most of these institutions. Our schools are producing award-winning students, crime rates are well below national average and emergency services are rated tops in the State. Ancillary reasons may be the fact that budget debates occur while many of our residents are away for the summer, and our taxes are, for the moment, still less than the heritage States/Counties of most of our residents. Also, much of the increase has been supported by the dramatic increase in property values. These fall much harder on non-homesteaded, part-time residents who cannot vote and business/rental property owners who simply pass on the increase.

But times are changing. Rates for water, sewage and waste removal are up sharply for most residents. Electric rates are up and due to increase again in January by an average of $15 per month. Household insurance cost is up sharply and scheduled to go even higher for most. Fuel prices are at least double what they were a year ago, and not expected to decline anytime soon. Local impact fees are slated to become among the highest in the State. The inflation index at the national level is above 4% for the first time in a decade. In short, many citizens on a fixed income are in real trouble, and the quest to add affordable housing in Martin County is unlikely to be successful. Recently we were chastised for accepting a figure quoted in the local press and then using it in an article on the high cost of school capital improvement projects. If the cost of Jensen Beach High School is actually less than $60 million rather than the $70 million we accepted and repeated, we apologize. However, we hope that in focusing on this example, one of several used, County officials do not miss the larger point we are trying to make: spending, by all government entities within Martin County must be brought under control. Their incessant search for new sources of income must give way to a hunt for ways to reduce costs while continuing to provide essential services. It is literally impossible for spending by of local governments to continue to accelerate at its current pace without serious damage to the standard of living of many residents.

We support the collection of sufficient taxes to fund public safety, education, infrastructure and realistic levels of service. All residents must then pay a fair share of this reasonable budget. However, when figuring a family budget, we must adopt a lifestyle based upon income. Yes, we have an opportunity to borrow, but the budget is still figured to support the loan payments. We can work harder and smarter, but we do not have the luxury to decide what we would like to have, and then demand enough income to support our wishes. No, our families have limits, and if we cannot afford to have something, we do with less or without.

Government should also have to follow these same basic rules. Budget increases must be reasonable and in line with population increases and inflation. Limits on increased taxes must be applied not only to homesteaders, but also to our out-of-state residents and income producing properties. With that, spending will automatically be limited to what we can afford. Just like our families, officials should have to carefully evaluate each expenditure to see if it’s affordable, worth the money, and good value for our citizens. Just like responsible people do spending their own income.